Touria Chaoui, the arab world's first female aviator

Touria Chaoui, who died tragically on 1 March 1956, left her mark on her country's history by becoming the first female aviator in the Arab world, a destiny shattered at the age of 19. Her brother, Salah Chaoui, an internationally renowned artist, has not forgotten this tragic moment and has decided to pay tribute to her by putting 36 of his works up for sale in aid of Aviation Sans Frontières, available on the NGO's Artists in Solidarity website.

Aviation can be a catalyst for change and hope.

Salah Chaoui is exhibiting around thirty large-format oil paintings from his collection at his gallery, l'Empreinte, in Vichy. We are proud and honoured to have been chosen by this professional painter, who will give Aviation Sans Frontières 50% in support of our activities in France and around the world.

On 17 October 1951, despité the obstacles and the reluctance of the authorities to allow a young Moroccan girl to train as a pilot, a field traditionally dominated by men, Touria Chaoui obtained her licence. At just fifteen years of age, she became the first female aviator in Morocco, the first in the Arab world, and the youngest in the world.

By establishing her reputation in what was still a very male-dominated world, Touria Chaoui founded the Royal Aero-Club and also became a spokeswoman for the cause of women by becoming involved in an association for literacy and vocational training for young women.

Aviation Sans Frontières is a humanitarian organisation that uses aviation as a tool to bring aid and support to areas hit by humanitarian crises. The organisation's pilots and volunteers use their skills to transport medical supplies, emergency relief and other essential resources to areas of distress around the world. This is one of the reasons why Salah Chaoui chose our organisation to pay tribute to his sister, a pilot.

50% of the proceeds will be donated by buyers to Aviation Sans Frontières.

Below are 4 of the 36 works on sale. Discover all the paintings on offer on the artistes solidaires website.

Would you like to find out more about these captivating works or buy one? Contact the artist now to find out the story behind each of her creations at 0781370384 or by email: salah@chaoui.fr