Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) says the aviation sector needs to transform its masculine corporate culture and identity so as to attract, promote and retain female talent.
COMESA Director Gender and Social Affairs, Beatrice Hamusonde, says relevant opportunities therefore need to be created at the State, regional and international level, for more women to pursue a career in the aviation sector.
Speaking during a workshop on gender equality and available opportunities for women in the aviation sector in Lusaka today, Mrs. Hamusonde said this will advance women career on an equal footing with their male counterparts in aviation.
“By addressing gender gaps in the aviation sector, the workshop aims to create an inclusive environment, generate interest amongst policy makers and industry leaders to encourage the active participation of women in aviation and to foster equal opportunities,” said Mrs. Hamusonde.
She said the workshop has been held to strengthen the regulatory and institutional capacity of civil aviation institutions in the Eastern and Southern African and the Indian Ocean region.
Speaking during the same workshop, Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Derrick Luembe, said the Aviation industry is faced with under representation of women in taking up technical roles and leadership positions, being male dominated and unequal access to training opportunities, among others challenges.
In a speech read on his behalf by Civil Aviation Authority Public Relations Manager, Sepiso Zimba, Captain Luembe committed to supporting all efforts aimed at improving gender representation in the aviation industry.
By Eva Hatontola
