Namibia targets gender gap in aviation

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) on Friday launched Women in Aviation Namibia, a national initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation in one of the country’s most male-dominated industries.

NAC board deputy chairperson Elize Petersen during her keynote address said the programme will tackle structural, social, cultural and economic barriers that limit women’s access to aviation careers.

“Globally, only about 5% of pilots are women. These figures tell a story not of lack of skill or ambition, but of obstacles that limit access and opportunity.

“We in Namibia are not immune to these challenges,” she said.

The initiative’s priorities include recruitment, training and mentorship for women in roles such as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and airline managers, she said.

Petersen said planned activities range from schools outreach and internships to scholarships and partnerships with government and industry.

She said aviation is a growth sector for Namibia, supporting tourism, trade and connectivity, adding that broader inclusion would strengthen the industry’s capacity and competitiveness.

“Diversity makes us stronger,” she told the gathering.

“In a sector where safety, efficiency and creativity are paramount, we cannot afford to ignore half our talent pool,” she said.

Key milestones for Namibian women in aviation include Air Namibia’s first all-women wide-body flight to Frankfurt in 2018, Fly Namibia’s first all-women crew in 2024, and an Ethiopian Airlines all-women flight received this year by former first lady Suskie Mbumba.

Petersen cited Namibian Defence Force pilot Linea Nakete as an example of how women can rise in the profession despite limited resources and opportunities.

She called on airlines, airports, regulators, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to join the effort, reviewing policies, ensuring equitable hiring, and creating supportive workplaces.

“The age of limitations is over, the era of opportunity begins,” she said.

Women in Aviation Namibia will be setting up mentorship networks, hosting leadership workshops, and advocating for policy reforms to advance gender inclusion in the sector. – Nampa

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