As we look to the future of endless possibilities for women on International Women's Day we must also acknowledge the progress of women before us and how this has and will continue to influence our drive for equality and independence. My bucket list includes many things for me to achieve and experience, many have been crossed off; leaving some yet to get around to, and learning to fly is one of them (one day!). I have chosen to mark International Women's Day going back through history and came across the achievement of Jerrie Mock....Read on.....
Just short (by days) of 60 years ago Jerrie Mock set off from Columbus on a flight around the world on 19 March 1964. Although it is reported that Jerrie was not intentionally competing against Joan Merriam Smith who had set off from San Francisco two days earlier, a competition developed between them as the media followed progress of their flights. Incidentally, Joan's flight path was the same as previously been attempted by Amelia Earhart who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean some 32 years earlier, and had achieved many firsts, but sadly Amelia disappeared in flight in 1937.
Jerrie won the race and became the first woman to fly solo around the world. Today, with all the possibilities out there for the taking today, we may not view Jerrie's achievement as significant without we understand and appreciate that in the sixties, women were oppressed, and dominated much worse than today, in a man's world. I can only imagine how exhilarating such an achievement must have been during those times and how our imagination can also take us (Women) forward in challenging and achieving our aspirations - anything is possible!
#internationalwomensday
Professional Manager at DKS
1moSpecial people exceed expectations, great people, wonderful TEAM