Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is celebrating the third annual Emirati Women’s Day with a series of events to highlight this year’s theme, Women are partners ins giving, in line with the UAE’s 2017 Year of Giving initiative.
Women comprise 51 per cent of Etihad’s workforce, working alongside men in what are traditionally regarded as male professions such as engineering, the flight deck and cargo.
Emirati women are also well represented in these functions, with several of them sharing their experiences at panel discussions held at the Etihad Airways Headquarters today.
Mariam Al Obaidli, Technical Engineer’s talent and passion were identified by the company four years ago when she was offered the opportunity to join the Etihad Airways Technical Engineer Programme, as part of the airline’s investment in the development of UAE national capabilities.
Today, she is one of 42 Emirati women completing their two-year, on-the-job training in order to obtain their GCAA Aircraft Engineering Licenses.
“You should see the engineers’ expressions when they see local women working hard in such extreme conditions, and knowing that we want to be here – they’re amazed by it,” Mariam recounted for the audience.
She was joined on the panel by an Etihad lawyer, pilot, and airport manager, who shared their own experiences of partnership with the audience.
Amina Taher, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Our constitution declares that men and women are equal in their rights and obligations. It provides equal access to education, healthcare and jobs. Her Highness, the mother of our nation, is the champion of our success, securing our indispensable role as an active driving force in the nation’s sustainable development.
“As a company, we foster the talents of our women and men; we encourage them to work together to promote innovation, to mentor their junior colleagues, to volunteer in the community and to give to charity. In a corporate environment, it is also important we stand together to develop not just our company, but the UAE and our society.”
Khawla al-Saadi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Autism Society, will address staff at a special workshop on 29 August. This workshop will explore the notion of giving through showcasing successful female leaders and managers, both within the company and outside, who, despite the challenges of balancing career and family, also devote time to mentoring young women as they embark on their careers.
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