The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory circular aiming to increase women's representation in the aviation sector to 25% by 2025. The circular encourages addressing stereotypes, promoting work-life balance, and introducing leadership and mentorship programs for women. It also emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment and highlights female role models to inspire more women. The initiative aligns with the Indian Constitution and the International Civil Aviation Organization's vision for equal opportunities in aviation.
The DGCA advisory circular recommends a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, diversity objectives, and HR policies. It also suggested diversifying women's work profiles, promoting women role models, implementing maternity leave laws, hiring back women, and conducting training programs. The DGCA also suggested airlines analyze exit interviews and organize awareness-raising sessions to reduce gender bias.
India's aviation industry has 5-14% women in its workforce, with 14% in pilot roles. The International Air Transport Association's '25by2025' initiative calls for greater representation, aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's gender equality vision.
The statement mentioned "The Circular aims to increase the number of women in various positions to a desirable representation of 25 per cent by 2025 within the aviation industry in India. The stakeholders are advised to promote enhanced representation of women in the aviation workforce, introduce leadership and mentorship programs for women in the organization, address the issue of stereotypes and gender bias and promote a better work-life balance for women employees."
