Abu Dhabi: An increasing number of Emirati women are taking up jobs in aviation because “women are more determined, they want to prove a point”, said Mona Waleed, vice-president of Talent Acquisition Etihad Airways.
“It doesn’t intimidate [women] to be doing these kinds of jobs. They are so inspired and they want to make a difference.”
She was speaking at the Women in Aviation event held by Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi today seeking to highlight the role of women in this sector.
There are currently 2,500 Emiratis employed with Etihad Airways, said Mona, of whom 1,200 are women. She confirmed that Etihad aims to employ a further 1,000 Emirati women in the Revenue and Accounting Centre in Al Ain by 2017.
By creating these jobs in Al Ain, it will provide opportunities other than those in banking and government for the community, she said.
Etihad Airways Al Ain Contact Centre is managed by women only, which includes around 200 employees.
Muna Hadharem, aircraft engineer with Etihad Airways and one of five panel members at the event, shared her story of life in aviation in a room filled with 60 Emirati women Etihad employees. “You are a girl, what are you doing here?” This, she said, was the question people constantly asked her when they came to know of her chosen field of work.
Muna said she always wanted to be an astronaut and work in aviation but she had a tough time convincing other people of her passion.
Her advice to other women who wish to pursue similar goals is to “be strong and protect the things they want. It will not be easy and they have to be strong until the end”.
Other panel members included Aala Al Rahma, a cargo ramp manager; Noora Al Mulla, a sales manager; Haya Ahbabi, a call centre/GSA Agent; and Dr Nadia Bastaki, vice-president, Medical Services.
Dr Nadia was the first Emirati woman to specialise in Aviation Medicine and one of two Emirati women vice-presidents at Etihad Airways. Dr Nadia told Gulf News, “All women are similar, we all think about the same things but what makes Emirati women different is the constant support from the government and the leaders.”
She joined Etihad Airways in 2007 on the condition that she could continue her studies. The airline obliged and she has since completed two postgraduate degrees.
Today, Dr Nadia has a pivotal role and she divides her time between medicine and leadership. It has been a challenging journey, she admits, with many obstacles on the way. “It’s a struggle daily.”
She advises other women who may face struggles to have patience, perseverance and follow their goals. “You need to have passion. If you don’t have passion, you will not succeed,” she says.
