Despite significant progress in gender equality in other industries, the aviation industry has lagged behind in closing the gender gap, particularly in senior leadership, engineering, and pilot roles. While women have made strides in other sectors, the aviation industry still faces challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Statistics show that the aviation industry remains heavily male-dominated, with only around 8% of pilots and 3.6% of captains being women. In corporate roles, the number of women in senior leadership positions is also low, with women often hitting a ceiling in roles beyond director or managing director. The percentages of women in C-suite roles are even lower, with most executive and chief titles held by men.
The gender gap in aviation begins early, with most young girls not considering careers in aviation due to lack of awareness and gender stereotyping in toys and marketing. Aerospace engineering programs also struggle to attract female students, with low enrollment rates compared to other engineering fields. Efforts to recruit more women fresh out of school are being made, but more needs to be done to attract young women to careers in aviation.
While many women in the aviation industry have had positive experiences and supportive mentors, the industry still suffers from a lack of awareness about career paths beyond traditional roles like pilots and flight attendants. Initiatives such as SkyTeam’s “RISE” program and IATA’s 25by2025 campaign are aimed at increasing the number of women in senior leadership roles and promoting diversity in the industry.
Balancing motherhood with demanding jobs in the aviation industry can be challenging for women, leading to issues like the “motherhood penalty” where mothers may face perceptions of being less committed to their jobs. Some female executives are striving to accommodate working mothers and recruit more women with family responsibilities into corporate roles. It is crucial for the industry to address these challenges and create a supportive environment for women at all levels.
For the women who have overcome obstacles and achieved success in aviation, mindset plays a crucial role. Many successful women in the industry have focused on their integrity, determination, and personal ambition to pursue opportunities regardless of gender barriers. By changing perceptions, increasing awareness, and promoting diversity, the aviation industry can make strides towards closing the gender gap and creating a more inclusive environment for all.
