In today's society, everyone is supposed to have equal rights and opportunities, but there are still cases when gender based stereotypes persist. This is confirmed by Dr. Anrieta Dudoit, a researcher at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (AGAI) and the chief specialist of the air navigation service provider's oversight institution. She has repeatedly broken these stereotypes—successfully completing her PHD in aviation and continuing her work in the academic community. She serves as a great example and encouragement for other women to pursue higher education.
 

The appeal of aviation was its versatility
 

From an early age Dr. Dudoit wanted to work in a responsible and interesting profession. This led to her enrolling in AGAI, where she obtained a master's degree in air traffic management. She chose this field because aviation seemed to be a responsible, unconventional, and fascinating profession. During her studies, Dr. Dudoit had the opportunity to meet many educated individuals—professors, lecturers, and others interested in aviation. She gained both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. Even before completing her master's degree, she decided to continue her studies and enrolled in the doctoral program in the field of transport engineering (in an aviation context).
 

"Aviation is a dynamic, evolving, and multifaceted science. To understand certain things, processes, and situations, especially their deeper meanings and connections, you need to be curious, delve deep, and keep learning. I can confidently say that working in the field of aviation demands constant maintenance of knowledge and competencies—it goes beyond flight directors and pilots positions -  air navigation service provider oversight, where I currently work, requires a similar level of scrutiny" says Dr. Dudoit.
 

Challenges in pursuit of education
 

According to the chief specialist of the air navigation service provider's oversight institution, women in aviation, like in other complex and responsible fields, may encounter the stereotype not favourable to them. However, global trends show that a significant number of women work in various areas of aviation, including piloting aircraft, air traffic control, and other air navigation service provision fields, where their competence and professionalism haven’t been unnoticed.
 

"In pursuit of a doctoral degree, I had to learn to manage time as effectively as possible as I had two jobs and, after which had write a dissertation, prepare publications, and get ready for exams. The last year was particularly intense, and the balance between work and rest was disproportionately tilted. Now, after some time has passed and emotions have subsided a bit, I can say that this experience was invaluable, and I am extremely happy that I kept my word and obtained a doctoral degree. I realised that the most important thing is not to give up and surrender," notes Dr. Dudoit.
 

Strength is crucial in aviation
 

The researcher often recalls the times when, during the first years of doctoral studies, her and her classmates would take exams after an all-nighter of preparational work.
 

"In aviation, in adverse weather conditions, procedures for poor visibility are introduced. In such cases, an aircraft is not allowed to taxi alone; it must taxi with the assistance of a follow-me car. Similar situations can be observed in the study process because there are days when things are not going well, and you face difficulties. However, they are necessary for personal growth, maturity, and better decision-making," says the flight management specialist.
 

According to Dr. Dudoit, aviation is a very broad and multifaceted field where one can find fulfillment.
 

"I would like to wish young women and, of course, men aspiring to a career in aviation to have strength and not give up when the sun is absent in the sky. It always comes out, sometimes through  clouds, but still does— meaning most difficulties are temporary even if we don’t see that yet. It just requires patience. You can wait it out for the sky to clear up or try and find ways to disperse the clouds, whichever way you prefer to overcome emerging difficulties. One respected professor, after I defended my dissertation, said something I still remember—progress comes only when you move. So, I wish everyone not to stop and to keep moving forward," advises the VILNIUS TECH researcher.