Breaking Barriers: Brenda Ntihinyurwa on Aviation, Leadership, and Empowering Women in East Africa

In this episode of SheCentre: The Female Podcast, I speak with Brenda Ntihinyurwa, a lawyer and mother of two who works with the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency. There, she leads efforts to strengthen aviation safety and security across East Africa.

Brenda opens up about her bold decision to leave her home country and work as an unpaid intern in Tanzania, which sparked her passion for regional integration and shaped her career. She shares how life shifted unexpectedly, leading her into the male-dominated aviation industry, where she is now working to empower more women to join the sector through mentorship and advocacy.

Balancing her high-demand role with motherhood, Brenda reflects on the sacrifices women often make, the challenges of navigating mom guilt, and the strength she draws from her faith and support system. She also highlights her efforts to improve air travel in East Africa, making it safer, more efficient, and accessible.

Through it all, Brenda’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose evolves with time, and faith can help us overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about courage, career, and carving out space for women in leadership.

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