Traditionally dominated by men, the aviation industry is beginning to take a turn for gender equality. The rise of women in aviation has been gradual throughout these years, although challenges are still to be faced. Further encouragement is required to be given to women to come out and join the vast aviation profession—not only achievements. Skytech Aviation Training Institute seeks to support and empower the next generation of women in aviation through quality training and enhancing the operating environment.
Historical Background of Women in Aviation
The journey of women in aviation has been one of strong pioneer women who dared against all odds to carve out their way across the skies. Their acts of bravery and exploits laid the foundation for future generations of female aviators:
Blanche Scott: In 1910, Blanche Scott became the first woman to fly solo in a plane and reach an altitude of 40 feet. Her flight was truly of the type that would open up a whole world of aviation to women.
Ellen Church: In 1930, Ellen Church first came up with the idea of stewardesses, which revolutionised the airline industry. This opened the door to more opportunities for women to join the aviation labour force.
Urmila K. Parikh: In 1932, Urmila K. Parikh became the first Indian woman to obtain a private pilot’s licence. It was truly a breakthrough moment for women in aviation and, more importantly, in the Indian context.
Amelia Earhart was probably the most identifiable figure in the history of aviation. In 1932, Earhart flew nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean solo, being the first woman to do so. She broke many records and made her own way into millions of hearts with her spirit of adventure.
Role of India in Acceleration of Gender Diversity
The gender diversity indicators of India in the aviation stream are quite positive. It still retains the highest number of female pilots compared to any other country in the world, with about 12.4% of the total being women and further rising, in contrast to the globe’s 5.5%. This indeed is evidence of the increasing involvement of women in commercial aviation in India. Out of the total available 10,000 commercial pilots, about 1,200 are women, which is just a figure much above the global average.
However, some other areas of aviation still depict a no-show for women. The fields of mechanical engineers, aeronautical engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers, and airport managers are lightly represented by women. Unless these gaps are attended to, there will never be an achievement of a balanced and inclusive workforce within all sectors of aviation.
The massive changes the aviation industry is experiencing due to innovation and digitalization provide an excellent opportunity for new jobs and the redefinition of gender roles, further enhancing equality within the sector. Many areas would need special focus to roll out this transformative agenda.
Innovation and Technological Change: The embrace of technological advancement and innovation will avail new roles and opportunities in aviation. Therefore, women should be encouraged to join such emerging fields to make the workforce diverse and inclusive.
Education and Training: Tailor-made for women are considered very critical in giving them the motivational push towards career building in aviation. Skytech Aviation Training Institute shall work towards specialised programs, which would provide for educative and training needs to women, addressing their needs and interests in developing skills for different roles within the aviation industry.
Mentorship and Support: Mentorship and top leadership support programs could be organised so that these aspiring women aviators can have a glimpse of what lies ahead in their careers. Mentorship can provide them with guidance, encouragement, and other professional development opportunities.
The Way Forward: Empowering Women in Aviation
Empowering the next generation of women in aviation will be possible by actively challenging gender biases and stereotypes. Here are some of the strategies to help support women in exploring aviation careers:
Wider Career Paths: Portraying the divergent characteristics of aviation outside the realm of the cockpit should permit women to conceptualise a career in the field. From aeronautical engineering to aircraft maintenance, air traffic control to airport management, there are challenging opportunities at various levels.
Encouraging Involvement in Technical Roles: The critical density of women running technical jobs in the aviation industry, such as that of engineers, along with maintenance staff, calls for a great focus on the part of educational establishments and training centers to attract and prepare girls and women into that vocation.
Support and Mentoring: Support programs, mentoring schemes, networking facilities, and career development all are much helpful in on-the-job development and prosperity in the aviation sector for women.
Empower the Future Join Us
The industry of aviation provides a wide range of well-informed and satisfying career opportunities. For women who would like to enter the sphere of aviation, here is an interesting possibility to learn. So, join us in Skytech Aviation Training Institute and explore along with us as we design the future of flight. Our programs are designed to be a pathway to your career goals and to let you be part of that highly empowered generation of females in the aviation sector.
Get in touch today to learn about our training programs and what’s needed for you to start your journey in aviation. Let’s join hands to create a more inclusive, diverse aviation workforce for the future generations of women in flying.