The Indian government is taking a significant step towards gender equality in the aviation industry. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory urging stakeholders to increase the participation of women in the aviation workforce to 25% by 2025. This initiative aims to dismantle gender bias and empower women to take flight in various aviation careers.
While India boasts a rapidly growing aviation sector, women's representation remains low. Currently, women hold only an average of 5-14% of positions across the industry, with the pilot category boasting the highest percentage at 14%. This underrepresentation extends beyond the cockpit, limiting the opportunities for women in crucial roles like air traffic control, engineering, and management.
However, a promising trend is emerging. The number of women pilots in India is steadily increasing. In 2023, nearly a fifth (294) of the 1,622 commercial pilot licenses (CPLs) issued went to women. This represents a 22% increase compared to 2022, indicating a growing interest in aviation careers among women.
This positive development can be attributed to several factors, including:
Supportive Programs: Initiatives by flying schools and airlines that offer scholarships and targeted training programs specifically for women are paving the way for their entry into the profession.
Shifting Societal Attitudes: Breaking down traditional gender stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in aviation is crucial. Growing societal acceptance and encouragement from families are playing a positive role.
Role Models Emerging: Highlighting the success stories of accomplished female pilots like Captain Zoya Agarwal, the first woman pilot to command a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in India, can inspire future generations.
The DGCA's advisory outlines a comprehensive action plan for airlines and airports to achieve the 25% target by 2025. This plan goes beyond simply increasing the number of women pilots and encompasses a holistic approach to fostering a more inclusive work environment:
Diversity Monitoring and Goal Setting: Companies are encouraged to track their current gender ratio and establish specific diversity objectives to guide their hiring practices. These goals should be measurable and time-bound to ensure accountability.
Promoting Equal Opportunities: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) emphasizes ensuring equal representation during recruitment and promoting women's participation in committees and task forces. This dismantles unconscious bias and ensures women have a voice in decision-making processes.
Work-Life Balance and Supportive Policies: Providing allowances, maternity leave, and flexible work arrangements are crucial aspects of attracting and retaining women. Additionally, a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment creates a safe and respectful work environment.
Leadership and Mentorship: Investing in programs that empower women through leadership development and mentorship opportunities is essential. This provides women with role models and guidance to navigate their careers.
Combating Bias and Awareness Training: The DGCA stresses the importance of addressing gender stereotypes and unconscious bias through training programs for all employees. By educating staff and fostering a culture of inclusion, the industry can create a more welcoming environment for women.
Retention Strategies and Re-entry Programs: Analyzing why women leave the workforce and developing programs to facilitate their return after career breaks are crucial aspects of the plan. This might involve childcare support or refresher training programs.
Cross-Functional Opportunities for Cabin Crew: The advisory encourages airlines to create programs that provide cabin crew with the chance to explore other technical or operational areas within the industry. This allows women to broaden their skillsets and pursue career advancement.
The Road Ahead
The DGCA's initiative signifies a commitment to creating a more inclusive aviation sector in India. By implementing these strategies, airlines and airports can work towards a future where women have equal opportunities to soar in all areas of aviation, from piloting planes to managing operations and shaping the future of Indian aviation. This not only benefits women but also strengthens the industry as a whole by fostering a diverse and talented workforce.