What was the primary purpose of the Woman's Air Derby?

The Woman's Air Derby primarily aimed to showcase women's flying skills. It was the first major cross-country air race for women, held in 1929, and significantly demonstrated the capabilities of female pilots in a field predominantly occupied by men. By organizing such an event, it brought visibility to the skills and accomplishments of women aviators, challenging societal norms and expectations regarding women's roles in aviation and other fields.

This event not only highlighted the talents of women pilots but also served to inspire future generations of female aviators. The attention garnered from the race contributed to a gradual shift in public perception, underscoring that women were equally capable of handling the demands of flying, which was a relatively new and adventurous profession at the time. This aspect of the derby played a crucial role in furthering the involvement of women in aviation and advocating for their recognition within the industry.

While promoting military aviation and supporting women's education in aviation were important goals during this era, they were not the central focus of the Woman's Air Derby. The race itself primarily centered on demonstrating flying prowess, making the showcasing of women's flying skills the most fitting answer.