In an inspiring initiative aimed at empowering women in aviation, the European Union delegation to the United Arab Emirates recently hosted a career talk titled "Women in Aviation." The event, held in partnership with الاتحاد للطيران and Abu Dhabi University, took place at the university and featured a distinguished panel of successful women from the aviation sector.
The fourth installment in a series of "Career Talks" organized by the EU delegation, the event sought to broaden professional horizons for young women in higher education by showcasing diverse career pathways. Distinguished guests included engineer Samia Adel Othman, Captain Valentina Leoni, and Captain Sheikha Hassan Nowab, who shared their journeys and insights, inspiring students to consider careers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Sada Lucy Berger, the European Union Ambassador to the UAE, emphasized the urgency of empowering female students with access to mentorship from accomplished women in aviation. "Let’s work together to continue supporting and inspiring the next generation of female pilots so that there is no ceiling on their aspirations," Berger stated, highlighting her commitment to furthering gender equality in the industry.
Dr. Ghassan Awad, Director of Abu Dhabi University, remarked on the vital partnership with الاتحاد للطيران, which he described as a platform for empowering women in all sectors. "We believe at Abu Dhabi University in the necessity of empowering women to take their rightful place in all fields and overcoming obstacles. Through our partnership with the EU delegation and الاتحاد للطيران, we provide our students opportunities to connect directly with female leaders in aviation and learn from their experiences, which contributes to the development of a new generation of exceptional female leaders," Awad stated.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, President of Human Resources and Institutional Affairs at الاتحاد للطيران, welcomed the EU delegation's initiative. She asserted the critical role women play in driving the success of the aviation sector, saying, "We at الاتحاد للطيران are committed to establishing an inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity. It is an honor to be the first woman to hold an executive leadership position in the company, which marks a notable milestone, and I firmly believe that women in various fields are making a significant contribution to the growth of the aviation sector and the UAE as a whole."
This career talk was part of the EU delegation's ongoing commitment to inspire ambitious young women in the UAE to achieve success and build promising futures in industries often dominated by men.
The "Career Talks" series, initiated by the European Union delegation in collaboration with various universities in the UAE, aims to empower female students and encourage them to explore job opportunities in fields typically led by men. This initiative seeks to foster a broader community perspective on the roles of women and men in the workplace, emphasizing the valuable contributions women make across various sectors.
By hosting engaging dialogues with successful figures from both the UAE and the EU, the series offers valuable guidance on overcoming obstacles and tackling challenges in male-dominated professions. Furthermore, it enhances cooperation between the EU and the UAE in promoting gender equality by facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge on how to develop women's professional capabilities.
Ultimately, this series also aims to sharpen leadership skills and bolster young women's self-confidence through professional networking opportunities. The successful turnout at the "Women in Aviation" talk illustrates the growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in shaping the future of the aviation sector.
The event showcases a commitment not only to inspiring the next generation of female pilots but also to driving a cultural shift within industries where women have historically been underrepresented. Initiatives like these are crucial for reimagining and nurturing an inclusive future, as they empower young women to dream boldly and reach for the skies, ultimately helping them to break barriers and redefine the aviation landscape.
