Last month, Leonardo UK hosted AeroWomen 2024, the fourth annual conference addressing workplace inequality in aviation. The event provided a platform for women to share their experiences and challenges within the industry.
Dr. Tessa Morris-Paterson, founder and managing director of Astro Perform, highlighted the persistent issue of gender bias. “How many delegates had been praised as having done something ‘well for a girl’?” she asked, receiving a significant show of hands. She urged attendees to change this mindset.
Folayo Osekita, chief of staff to the chair and CEO of Leonardo UK, emphasized the importance of inclusivity from an early age. He shared a video featuring his children playing together and stated, “My daughter doesn’t have a clue about inclusivity. We’re talking about it here because something happens between when you are a child and the time when others begin setting boundaries you didn’t set for yourself.”
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee from BAE Systems spoke about how motherhood empowered her professionally. Gareth Beck from Morson Projects discussed nurturing future talent and allyship.
The panel discussion chaired by Helen Haxell featured diverse voices from various roles within aviation. Despite their different career paths, all five women shared the common experience of being often the only woman in the room.
The conference underscored that while professional women in aviation are recognized for their skills, they frequently feel out of place due to gender dynamics in a male-dominated field.
The overarching message was clear: achieving true equality requires continued effort and systemic change so that professionals are judged first by their abilities rather than their gender.
