Legacy of Amelia Earhart
Born in 1897, Amelia Earhart is probably best remembered for being the first female, and only the second person, to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. Her legacy arises not only from her record-setting achievements as a female aviator, but also her passionate advocacy for women’s equality.
A tomboy from childhood, Earhart defied societal norms of the era. As she became more serious about becoming a pilot, she frequently faced disapproval, scepticism, prejudice and a lack of financial support for her endeavours. Her persistence and courage enabled her to overcome these obstacles, however, and she broke many records as well as barriers.
She was instrumental in forming the Ninety-Nines, an international organization for women pilots. Earhart also paved the way for women to practice in fields that were male dominated, such as law, advertising, mechanical engineering, business management and film direction.
Nearing her 40th birthday, she set her mind to a monumental goal: to be the first woman to fly around the world. It was while on this mission, in 1937, that Earhart and her navigator disappeared somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
Prior to setting out on this fateful journey, she wrote, in a letter to her husband, “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”