elevateheraviation

Discuss - if appropriate, the unique challenges and barriers women face in the industry so you can better understand and support them. Our very own Elevate(her) research on women in aviation and the challenges women face in the industry today is a great place to start! Our most current research can be found on the button below. Whether it’s maternity policies, adequate facilities, workplace bias, or unsatisfactory safety equipment. Educate yourself on the challenges the women in your sector of the industry face and what you can do to support them.

Challenge Stereotypes- Speak up against outdated biases and actively advocate for equality in conversations and communities. Speaking up can be difficult but doing so can make a huge difference to women’s sense of belonging in the industry. Try questioning inaccurate generalisations and provide examples that contradict the stereotype. Be courteous and try to understand if the person/group is/are aware of their stereotypes, many people may not be, so try to make them aware in a respectful manner.

Offer Practical Support- Provide necessary resources and information or simply be a listening ear during tough times. The Elevate(her) website and free membership is a fantastic resource available to women. Elevate(her) can also support with free posters, and materials on aviation careers.

Network & Connect- Introduce them to female mentors, role models, or women’s aviation groups. Support them by encouraging them to visit networking or careers events like Pilot Careers Live. The Elevate(her) website and free membership is also a fantastic resource available to women which provides a support network, events, webinars, and much more!

Ensure female voices are heard - Issues raised by women can be overlooked due to lack of support. Although women make up a smaller percentage of the aviation workforce, their concerns reflect those of half the population and should be acknowledged and addressed accordingly. Ensure women are central to the decision making that affects them. Policies affecting women should have women in the team making the decisions as well as listening to women’s thoughts and opinions, whether this is in a meeting setting, or in work discussions.

Create a Supportive Infrastructure and Culture - Establish an environment where women feel comfortable reporting their concerns without fear of dismissal or retaliation. This includes clear reporting channels, anonymous feedback options, and a culture that actively listens and responds to issues.

Provide inclusive policies - Reflect on how your company’s maternity, childcare, and menopause policies impact the women in your organisation. Ensure that these policies support career progression, well-being, and retention, rather than creating barriers. If you don’t have these policies already due to your workforce demographic, consider implementing them and making sure they are robust to support a future female employee.

Provide Female-Specific Equipment & Uniforms - Ensure properly fitting flight suits, headsets, Hi Vis jackets, aircraft seat cushions and other essential PPE is readily available if applicable. If uniform or branded merchandise is available, consider ensuring there are female sizing options or unisex so that clothing can fit properly.

Foster Mentorship - Create opportunities for women to learn from and connect with other women within their field. Elevate(her) events are a great opportunity for this. Networking groups or coffee mornings to introduce female employees within the business are a great way to start.

Improve Facilities & Resources - Maintain clean, accessible female restrooms, provide sanitary bins and provisions, and comfortable crew spaces to ensure a truly inclusive workplace. You can also ensure that gender inclusive language in documents, E.G not defaulting to him/he in male dominated roles.

Ensure Female Representation - Promote equal representation of women in media, literature, and industry events to inspire future generations.

Ways Everyone can Support Women in Aviation