The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at Antonine University (UA) decided to celebrate International Women’s Day with UA students, the leaders of tomorrow wishing to build fairer societies and forge a path to a better Lebanon, by conducting a gender-awareness raising activity to foster a stronger sense of commitment toward every single woman in their community, and help them reflect on her vital role in today’s world. It is within this context that the visit to Rayak Air Base, a midsized airport in the Beqaa Valley, took place on Saturday, March 5, 2022, where they were introduced to UA alumna – 1st Lieutenant, Eng. Rita Zaher, a qualified pilot in the Lebanese Air Force, who defied social norms and rose above barriers and stereotypes, thus making the nation proud.

1st Lt. Zaher graduated in 2016 from the Faculty of Engineering of UA, and was excited to welcome our students from Hadat – Baabda and Nabi Ayla – Zahle campuses. Besides roaming the airbase, students were given a historical outline of the Lebanese air force by Major Hsein Hajj Sleiman, and a general overview of the airbase that currently relies on a helicopter force and Hawker Hunter jets in the absence of advanced fixed-wing aircraft. This was followed by a brief description of the memorial plates that hold the names of deceased pilots due to fatal crashes and accidents. What touched the students the most was the inspiring testimony and success story with the Lebanese army shared by 1st Lt. Zaher, showing them the real value of reinforcing women’s role on the frontline of the air force and the importance of unleashing one’s full potential. As part of this one-of-a-kind experience, the tour inside the museum allowed them to not only discover all Aerial Vehicles, but also to experience the training simulators with Capt. Jean Baalbaki, Capt. Wael Al Masri and Capt. Khaled Chokor. This thrilling adventure will be forever engraved in their memory!