Women's Leadership Hurdles and Key Challenges in Aviation

Despite progress in recent decades, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions across the aviation industry. This chapter examines the key hurdles and challenges faced by women leaders in aviation, drawing on qualitative research conducted through focus group discussions with 23 women leaders from various sectors of the Malaysian aviation industry. The study identifies four primary themes representing the major challenges: (1) Stereotypes and Gender Bias, (2) Inadequate Support Systems, (3) Leadership Competency Gaps, and (4) Work-Life Balance Struggles. Persistent stereotypes about women’s capabilities in aviation, particularly in technical and operational roles, continue to hinder career advancement. The lack of structured mentorship programs, targeted leadership development initiatives, and networking opportunities further compounds these challenges. While women often possess strong technical skills, gaps in strategic leadership competencies and decision-making confidence at the highest levels were identified as barriers. Additionally, the demanding nature of the aviation industry creates significant work-life balance challenges, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities. The chapter argues that addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving organizational culture change, policy reforms, and industry-wide initiatives to promote gender diversity and inclusion. By highlighting these issues and exploring potential solutions, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in aviation leadership and harness the full potential of diverse talent in the industry.