By Kelechi Deca
I think it is coincidence.
In the last two months, I’ve been flown by more female pilots than men.
Flying into Chicago O’Hare international two weeks ago, I didnt know the Captain was a woman because I couldn’t distinguish her voice from that of the Chief Purser ( Lead Cabin Attendant) who also is female.
But when the aircraft landed, the smoothness of that landing made me guess that the pilot must be a woman. And I was right. As passengers stepped out, she was there thanking each of us personally for flying with United.
I am happy about the steady progress women are making in this industry especially in Africa. From Ethiopia to Kenya, even Uganda and ofcourse. But the absence of a national carrier or even a flag carrier has affected that growth in Nigeria.
South Africa has the lead in the continent.
But India has been truly ” Incredible” in this sector. Leading globally with the most female pilots—15% roughly, which is three times the global average of only 5%.
Republic of Ireland and South Africa follow closely behind with nearly 10%.
The question is, why has India broken this ceiling while others are dragging behind?
The answers are not far-fetched. Top is family support, followed by outreach programs targeted at young girls, then there has been improvement in corporate policies and highly subsidized trainings because flying school is extremely expensive, reason in many advanced societies like the United States, only kids from rich backgrounds can afford.
India also has scholarships for highly intelligent female students and corporate and government policies for female talents. Add to that, the government has been aggressive in changing the narrative about India’s overall poor gender parity.
For a country that ranks poorly on overall gender parity, India is unique in having the highest percentage of women pilots in the world.
The Modi government has shown exceptional commitment to creating new opportunities for women in the aerospace sector. Be it fighter pilots or civil aviation, India is leading the world in the number of women pilots.
The government launched a collaborative programme with Boeing called the Boeing Sukanya programme to give a boost to women’s participation in the aviation sector while helping the poor living in far-flung areas to realise their dreams of becoming a pilot.
Under the programme, coaching and development facilities will be provided in government schools to pursue a career as a pilot.
Airlines have also imbibed flexible policies that help women in the industry. Some airlines in India have policies to retain female talent, such as IndiGo offers flexibility for women pilots and crew to continue working safely during pregnancy, 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, and creches for childcare.
Honda Motor Co. offers complete scholarships for an 18-month program at an Indian flying school and support their employment.
Societies do not grow by wishful thinking or just prayers.
For a man may say to you, “You and I have faith; I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I shall show you my faith by my works.( James 2:18)
Development is an active word. It is a verb. It is wrought into existence through mental power and physical actions.
Development is conceived, designed, and implemented for end results.
Development breeds development.
But chronic underdevelopment is a reproach to humanity.
Leadership is everything.
