8M, International Women’s Day, is a date that invites us to reflect on the progress made in the fight for gender equality and to recognize the challenges that remain. In the aviation safety industry, women play a crucial role, but their presence and recognition still face significant barriers.
The role of women in aviation safety
The presence of women in the aviation safety sector has increased significantly in recent decades. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the representation of women in global aviation has grown steadily, but still represents only 6% of pilots and 12% of airline management positions. However, this percentage has varied depending on the areas. In aviation safety, for example, female participation in some European countries has reached 30% in operational roles, although this number is lower in other regions.
Progress has been significant, but there is still a long way to go. The aviation security industry, ranging from airport surveillance to cybersecurity and risk management, has seen the inclusion of women in key positions, which has enriched diversity and improved decision making.
Angeles Pozo, an expert with an extensive background in the industry, started her career at Iberia and later joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with a vast experience in the field of aviation safety, says: “Although the presence of women in aviation has been increasing, we have not yet reached the level of equal representation that would be desirable. We still have a long way to go, but we are on the right track. “.
Challenges and obstacles facing women in this sector
Despite these advances, women continue to face significant challenges in the aviation safety industry. According to an IATA report, 60% of women in aviation have reported facing some form of discrimination, either direct or indirect, in the workplace. This phenomenon is especially common in technical sectors, where female presence is still low.
One of the biggest challenges for women in this sector is the lack of representation in leadership positions. According to a McKinsey & Company study on gender equality in the industry, women represent only 22% of leadership positions in the aviation sector globally. While this number has improved in recent years, it is still a reflection of the gender barriers present at the top.
Ángeles Pozo shares her experience: “Aviation security is an area with less visibility and, at times, less attractive compared to other business sectors, which can affect the attraction of talent. For new generations to bet on this specialization, it is essential that it is perceived as a viable path for professional development, as is the case with other strategic areas of the industry. Moreover, security should not be understood in isolation; it must be integrated into the organizational culture, and this change must be driven by leadership. To achieve this, it requires pedagogy, the ability to connect ideas and effective communication that permeates the entire organizational structure. I don’t think this is a gender issue, but it is true that women, because of our skills and competencies, can play a key role in conveying these messages and building a strong and effective safety culture in organizations.”
In addition to the gender gap in management positions, the wage gap continues to be a problem. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), women in the airline industry earn, on average, 20% less than their male counterparts, despite having the same qualifications and performing similar tasks.
The importance of diversity in aviation safety
Diversity in the aviation safety industry is not only key to promoting gender equality, but also improves efficiency and innovation. Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams make more complete decisions, better anticipate problems and approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
A World Economic Forum (WEF) report on diversity and inclusion in the global aviation industry states that companies that adopt gender diversity policies increase productivity by 15% and profitability by 20%. Aviation safety, being a highly technical field with life and death implications, particularly benefits from this type of diversity. Angeles Pozo emphasizes: ” When we implemented measures to include more women in safety decisions, we noticed that the quality of solutions and operational efficiency increased. Women tend to have a different view on how to manage risks and this has translated into better results. “
Advice for new generations
For young women who want to get into aviation safety, Angeles Pozo has a clear message: “I would tell them that aviation is an exciting sector and that aviation safety, in particular, is a fundamental pillar for the development and growth of this industry. We are all motivated by the idea of having contributed to its evolution and having been part of its success. Well, aviation security offers just such an opportunity. There is still plenty of room for innovation, and it is essential to strengthen the ability to anticipate future aviation security crises, identify risks, assess their consequences and understand evolving threats. I am convinced that the new generations can bring this vision to the table and that, thanks to their preparation, they will be in a privileged position to meet these challenges successfully. .”
Despite progress, the aviation safety industry still faces major challenges in achieving true gender equality. According to a recent ICAO study, it is estimated that it will be another decade before the industry achieves gender equality in labor participation at all levels. While the gender gap remains a reality, women continue to make strides, opening doors and proving that the aviation safety industry has much to gain from the inclusion of all genders.
As Ángeles Pozo concludes: “International Women’s Day is not only to recognize what we have achieved, but to keep pushing for true equality of opportunity, not only in numbers, but in respect and real value in the aviation safety industry“.