Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Burke
Photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston
NTM-A
Capt. Latifa Nabizada, a helicopter pilot from the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps spoke at "Seize the Sky", an international women’s rights symposium on Mar. 10, 2010, at the University Art Gallery at San Diego State University.
"Seize the Sky" includes an art exhibit encompassing a 14-year effort by Danish artist and pilot Simone Aaberg Kaern. The exhibit combines Aaberg Kearn’s love of art and aviation.
“During the early planning stages of the symposium, Ms. Aaberg Kærn suggested that I invite Captain Nabizada to participate,” said professor Tina Yapelli, the museum’s curator and the organizer of the symposium.
Capt. Latifa and her younger sister Lailoma joined the Afghan National Army Air Corps after the Soviet regime ending in Afghanistan. They trained and flew together for 16 years. During the rule of the Taliban they fled to Iran.
“We made the decision together. It was a sudden decision to help our country. My sister was a very good pilot and she was very outspoken. Her name is written in Afghan history. I don’t ever want to forget her,” said Capt. Nabizada.
This will be Capt. Latifa’s first visit to the United States. “I am very happy to attend. It is a good opportunity for me to share my experiences with other women,” said Capt Latifa. She plans to speak about how to help women in the Air Corps and Afghan military and about the challenges they are facing. “I am very happy that I can participate as a woman pilot. I am proud for me and for my country and for Afghan Air Corps,” said Capt. Nabizada.
The future generations of female Afghan pilots are already being groomed to carry on the legacy. Capt. Nabizada‘s daughter wants to be a helicopter pilot just like her mother.
“I am really proud of her that she wants to take my place and maybe we can even fly together before I retire,” said Capt. Nabizada .
On March 8, Afghanistan joined the celebration of International Women’s Day. March 2010 marks the 30-year anniversary of Women’s History Month. President Carter signed the first Women’s History Week into legislation in 1980, then in 1987 Congress passed legislation extending the week-long event into a full month of celebration. "Seize the Sky" symposium also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Studies Department at San Diego State University.
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