While progress is being made, aviation, like many industries, still grapples with a stark gender imbalance, with women remaining underrepresented in senior roles, particularly where critical decisions are made. Globally, only a third of countries have ever had a female leader and women own only 33% of the world’s wealth (BCG).
Last week, during the Airport Show’s Women in Aviation International Middle East Forum in Dubai, panelists gathered to discuss the real meaning of leadership and whether the industry is progressing beyond symbolic diversity to meaningful inclusion of women.
From titles to true power
It’s one thing to hold a title, but another to drive strategy, lead change and influence outcomes. During the session, Zeina Mehyou, Hind AlBudoor and Rajani Maniyanghat dove into the heart of the issue: Leadership inspires people to raise their own standards. You can be a woman, a mom, an employee and excel at all levels if you never give up. Real power doesn’t reside in hierarchy and is defined by action, impact and integrity.