Aviation faces a period of accelerated growth and transformation, with ICAO targeting universal air connectivity, zero fatalities, and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Delivering this growth and transformation will require a steady pipeline of skilled aviation professionals and innovators.
So why are women still underrepresented in air transport? We know that women face significant barriers like stereotypes, conscious and unconscious biases, limited access to leadership and technical roles, threats to their security in the place of employment and when commuting, and a lack of mentorship. Aviation cannot afford to allow this to continue: ensuring a safe, inviting, and encouraging workplace for all is essential to aviation’s future, and ensuring women are not prevented from making full and excellent contributions to the resilience and vibrancy of our industry.
Through our Gender Equality Programme, ICAO is collaborating with Member States and aviation industry partners to eliminate barriers for women in aviation. To achieve this, we need to take a deeper dive into the sector and identify the specific nature of the challenges women face in each of the wide range of professions in aviation.
ICAO’s Global Landmark Study on Women in Aviation will gather data from women around the world working in more than 70 job categories. The research will identify barriers and bottlenecks, reveal women’s experiences working in the sector, and develop evidence-based recommendations to advance women’s empowerment and representation across all levels.
This initiative is a fundamental step toward building a workforce that matches the sector’s ambitions. By understanding the real experiences of women in aviation, ICAO and its partners can shape policies that attract, retain, and promote their potential for long-term growth and innovation.
The study will be led by Dr Elise Stephenson, who has achieved multiple awards for her research into gender issues. The study currently in its initial design phase, with plans to begin the sector-wide survey by January 2026.
For questions on the study or more information on how to participate, please reach out to Dr. Stephenson be sending an email here.