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The UAE’s aviation industry is witnessing a remarkable rise in female representation, with nearly 27,000 women currently employed in the sector, accounting for 42% of the workforce. This positive trend was highlighted during the Dubai Airport Show conference, where industry executives emphasized the significance of women’s empowerment in building a stronger society and emphasized the need for education and training to promote employment opportunities for women in aviation.Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter’s President, Mervat Sultan, stressed the importance of empowering women to foster societal improvement. She emphasized the role of education and training for both parents and children in creating awareness about the diverse career options available in the aviation field. The 22nd edition of the three-day exhibition witnessed more than 150 exhibitors from 20 countries, 100-plus buyers, and over 4,000 trade visitors from across the globe.The Rise of Women in All Aviation RolesMervat Sultan highlighted that women are not only becoming pilots but are also making strides in various other areas of aviation. The industry now sees more women as engineers, air traffic controllers, medical professionals, technicians, and legal staff. This growing representation reflects the progress made in promoting gender equality in the field.Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum, First Lieutenant Pilot at Dubai Police Airwing, acknowledged the existing gender gap in the aviation sector and called for an effective roadmap to address this issue. In her efforts to empower and support women in aviation, she founded Shehana, a Women in Aviation Association. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among sponsors, government, and organizations to enhance gender equality.Boeing’s Commitment to Gender EqualityKuljit S. Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East Türkiye and Africa, commended the UAE’s significant strides in empowering women in aviation. Boeing has been actively supporting gender equality in the workplace by collaborating with the government and other stakeholders in the aviation sector. Their efforts have resulted in remarkable progress, with women accounting for 33% of new hires in the region over the past year, up from 26% in 2020.Challenges and Opportunities AheadWhile the UAE’s aviation sector celebrates the progress in women’s representation, industry experts acknowledge the need for further efforts to bridge the gender gap. Creating effective roadmaps, educational initiatives, and supportive programs can continue to empower women in aviation and encourage more female participation across all roles.By continuing to promote collaboration among various stakeholders and fostering an inclusive work environment, the aviation industry can pave the way for increased gender equality and build a more diverse and talented workforce. The positive impact of women’s empowerment in the aviation sector goes beyond the workplace and contributes to the overall social and economic growth of the nation.
