The underrepresentation of women in aviation has been globally recognized and despite some progress, there remain barriers to women fully thriving in the aviation sector. Women remain significantly under‑represented in mid‑level aviation roles, creating a “missing middle” where they are more visible in entry‑level or senior positions than in the technical and managerial roles that form the industry’s backbone.  

This gap is linked to limited access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways and a global trend of women exiting the sector at the middle‑management stage. These patterns underscore the urgent need for stronger retention, career development, and leadership support. Importantly, leadership in one context does not automatically translate into broader influence or shifts in workplace norms, highlighting the need for sustained, systemic change. 

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Give to Gain”, shift in women stepping into fields that are predominately occupied by men, as leaders. It also a reminder of the urgent need to create gender inclusive workplaces through gender equality policies that support diverse women in aviation, child-care facilities, professional development and career growth opportunities and safeguarding. It also calls for balancing the scale by focusing on rights, equity and measures to close the gender gaps in aviation.  

For Fiji, this theme reminds the aviation industry to progress equity measures in line with the national commitments to women’s economic empowerment through Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan (WEE NAP) 2025-2030, Fiji’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls and the National Gender Policy.  

This week witnessed the coming together of women from across Fiji’s aviation industry to celebrate International Women’s Day through a networking and wellness walk event.  

In 2024, Fiji Airports initiated a collaborative network for women in aviation, aimed at bringing together  key aviation stakeholders, and launched the Fiji Women in Aviation Network. Officiating at the launch, Fiji Airports Board Director Emele Duituraga said “The industry-led initiative would bring women together to create synergies and boost collaboration within the aviation sector”.  

This year, the Fiji Women in Aviation Network activities are being revitalized through agency-based International Women’s Day commemorations, promotion of women in aviation profiles and inter-agency Women in Aviation Walks. These inter-agency activities are supported by the Australia- Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) Program, an Australian Government Initiative partnering with Pacific countries for a safer, more resilient, and sustainable aviation sector, improving people to people links and supporting economic growth. 

The Women in Aviation Walk brings together women representing all parts of the industry to increase their visibility and foster meaningful mentorship relationships that will empower and support women in achieving their aviation career goals.  

Fiji Airports General Manager Finance Sanjana Mishra said, “A key pillar of this network is mentorship. By connecting aspiring professionals with experienced aviation leaders, the network seeks to guide, encourage, and empower women as they navigate their aviation careers-whether in engineering, flight operations, air traffic management, aviation security, rescue and fire services, or other specialized areas of the industry”.  

Fiji Airways demonstrated leadership towards advancing gender equality by organizing this first inter-agency Women in Aviation Walk. Chief People Officer Anna Morris said, “Systemic barriers require systemic solutions with deliberate action, and a commitment to evolve our policies and practices.  It is the collective responsibility of every aviation professional, every organization and every leader. The evolution of our industry depends on it.” 

Air Terminal Services Assistant Manager for Human Resources, Vani Varasikete said “Women make up more than 30 percent of the total workforce for ATS and whether it be in the Passenger Services, Cargo and Ramp, Catering, Cabin Cleaning, Technical or Support, the women of ATS lead by example every day. Their contributions strengthen our organization and inspire the next generation of women in Fiji to pursue opportunities in aviation and other traditionally male-dominated industries.” 

Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s Executive Manager Standards and Compliance, Sereima Bolanavatu, said, “May we one day reach a point where we no longer have to celebrate “the first woman,” but simply recognize her as one of many in our industry”                            

This event marks the beginning of a series of activities as the Women in Aviation Fiji network grows. Fiji Airports is collaborating with P4A to formally establish the Women in Aviation Fiji Network.