APEX ASKS
“Companies need to actively address gender inequality in aviation. The only way for change to happen is a topdown approach. We need male champions of change who see the value in employing female pilots.” JOLENE VERWEY, PILOT, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS
“I attend many industry events where the panelists are too often men in gray suits and women are always outnumbered. That needs to change.” ZINA NEOPHYTOU, VICE-PRESIDENT, OUT OF HOME, BBC WORLDWIDE
“Younger women in aviation benefit from being able to relate to someone of the same gender with a shared understanding of the industry. That said, support can and should equally come from men.” CAPT. MARY MCMILLAN, VICE-PRESIDENT OF SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL SERVICES, INMARSAT AVIATION
“Developing relationships through mentorship is key. The best managers I’ve had have been women. Seeking mentors early in your career (both men and women) can help you navigate your professional career. If enough people do, it can have a macro impact in the workplace.” TARUSH AGARWAL, HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS, TOCA BOCA
“More airlines need to acknowledge the many talented women out there who are more than capable of doing the job. They need to put strategies into place to help women pilots balance their work and family life.”
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How can the airline industry overcome gender inequality? APEX members share their thoughts on how to inspire more women to join the field, help them flourish in their roles and ensure they have equal opportunity.
“Early in my career, I was mistaken as the secretary or assistant, as some men were not used to interacting with women. I’ve overcome this by becoming the subject-matter expert in my field and clearly communicating my points of view with confidence.” PATTY CHANG, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, GLOBAL MOBILE BROADBAND, VIASAT
“The best solutions are created when strong communication exists across a diverse group of people. We must work from both the top down and the bottom up and provide platforms for open conversations about challenges.” STACIE LAWSON, MANAGER, OPERATIONAL SERVICES, US, SPAFAX
“Initiating discussion with men is the first step. Women can help us be more aware of gender bias and identify our privileges. On the other hand, men are in the best position to influence organizational change and to put effective programs in place to support a new culture.” TANGUY MOREL, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, INTERACTIVE MOBILITY
“Empower young women in their role and mission, keep them accountable for their tasks, and hire different genders and nationalities. Also, the expertise of men and women should be highlighted equally, building role models of all genders within the company.” LAURENCE FORNARI, FOUNDER AND HEAD OF SALES, SKYLIGHTS
ILLUSTRATIONS BY GABRIEL EBENSPERGER
CAPT. DAPHNIE TSUI, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS
APEX.AERO | V8 E3 |
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