With the increasing discourse sorrounding the need to increase participation of women in the aviation sector, Ellas Vuelan Alto (EVA) is taking steps to ensure that women are more visible in the aerospace industry. This Spanish-based women in aviation association establishes strategic partnerships with public administrators, companies and organizations committed to a future with a higher level of gender equality.
In a forum organized on June 2019 in IATA’s Europe Region offices in Madrid, Spain, EVA brought together some 100 participants to discuss the different challenges that prevent women from joining the transport sector, as well as possible solutions. The broad range of issues that came up proved the need to increasingly share best practices and form partnerships across the industry to make a difference. The forum presented a platform to discuss topics ranging from gender biases with respect to areas of specialty in the industry, to work-life balance, and the return to work after maternity leave.
Addressing the participants, Ms. Flor Diaz Pulido, Head of Unit Aviation Policy, European Commission reiterated the need for Europe to be a motor of economic and social development, and a model for equality by providing opportunities for everyone irrespective of gender. Ms. Pulido called on women to embrace the change coming to the transport sector and become more involved in the future growth of air transport in particular, a nod to EVA’s “stop dreaming, start doing” tagline.
At the European level, The European Union (EU) launched the Women in Transport - EU Platform for change in November 2017, a program designed to strengthen women’s employment and equal opportunities in the transport sector.
To support the effort and continuously lend a voice to the visibility of women in the transport sector, IATA was pleased to partner with EVA by signing a charter to develop projects that bring visibility to women and promotes equality. “In an industry where about 4% of pilots are women, there is a need to combat discrimination, empower women and create equality” said Teresa Busto del Castillo, President of EVA and VP Airbus Group and Director, Airbus.
Photo: Teresa Busto speaking during The aviators of tomorrow: Diversity = Opportunity session at IATA Wings of Change Europe 2018 last November in Madrid
Representing IATA was Rafael Schvartzman, Regional Vice President for IATA in Europe. “We should not be complacent and that is why we are convinced that supporting associations like Ellas Vuelan Alto is fundamental to improving the situation, because we firmly believe that the future must have women and men working and cooperating hand in hand and on equal terms”, said Mr. Schvartzman.
IATA believes in the positive effects of diversity and inclusion. More actions need to be taken. In the meantime, a diversity initiative – Mosaic – is aimed at improving the culture of diversity and inclusion within the association. Externally, the Diversity and Inclusion Awards were launched in conjunction with the award sponsor Qatar Airways, to recognize and celebrate the progress being made in the aviation industry. The three categories of the award recognized leadership in diversity and inclusion. On 26 March 2019, IATA signed up to the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter in the UK
These are much needed actions. Slowly yet surely, progress is being made in improving women’s participation in the industry.
Photo: Cross-section of students of Commercial Aviation Pilot and Air Operations, Adventia – European College of Aeronautics, Spain. With Dr. Inmaculada Sánchez, Director of Equality Unit, University of Salamanca; Carmen Rodrigo, President of Adventia; and Teresa Busto del Castillo, President of EVA and VP Airbus Group
Photo at the top of the page: From left - right
Elisabet Ormazábal, Commander Instructor at Vueling
Cruz Hernando Fdez-Cortacero, Provincial Head and Helicopter Pilot, Provincial Traffic Department (DGT)
Teresa Busto del Castillo, President of EVA and VP Airbus Group
Flor Diaz Pulido, Head of Unit Aviation Policy, European Commission
Maria Teresa Lumbreras, Commander Director of Quality and Safety Management System (SMS) Iberia
Vanessa de Velasco, Iberia Airline Pilot and Director of Aviadoras Project
Rafael Schvartzman – IATA Regional Vice President Europe,
