Airlines and Airports Directed to Raise Female Staff to 25% of Total Workforce

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to airports and airlines in India to increase the number of women employees. The aim is to achieve a representation of 25 percent women in various positions within the aviation industry by 2025.

This move is in line with the principle of gender equality enshrined in the Constitution of India and the vision of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for promoting equal opportunities in the aviation sector. The circular, titled ‘Gender Equality in Civil Aviation Sector,’ outlines several measures for achieving this goal.

It recommends that airports and airlines publish vacant positions on various forums, explicitly encouraging applications from female candidates. Additionally, they should provide precise information on flexible working conditions in their organizations.

Stakeholders are urged to promote the enhanced representation of women in the aviation workforce, introduce leadership and mentorship programs for women, address stereotypes and gender bias, and promote a better work-life balance for women employees. The DGCA advisory also directs stakeholders to improve policies and practices to ensure gender equality in the workplace.

Airlines and airports are urged to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and formulate HR policies to achieve this. They are also encouraged to diversify the work profiles of women employees, highlight women role models, and take other facilitative steps that promote a gender-inclusive work culture.

Organisations are further advised to develop suitable programs to re-hire women who have taken a break due to parenting needs or other life cycle issues. The advisory aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse aviation industry, reflecting a commitment to gender equality and providing equal opportunities for women in the workplace.

This initiative seeks to create a supportive and welcoming environment for women in the aviation sector.