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COMESA Praises Ethiopia as Model for Gender Equality in African Aviation

By: Jerusalem Betsiha

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has lauded Ethiopia for its progress in promoting gender equality within the aviation sector, recognizing the country as a model for the continent. Beatrice Simwapenga Hamusonde, COMESA’s Director for Gender and Social Affairs, highlighted the role of Ethiopian Airlines in creating meaningful opportunities for women in aviation.

In an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation during a recent COMESA forum held in Addis Ababa, Hamusonde emphasized the importance of inclusive workplace policies that not only recruit women but also support their growth into leadership roles. She noted that while women are increasingly visible in roles such as flight attendants and mid-level staff, their representation in senior management remains limited.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, women make up just 4 to 6 percent of pilots globally, with North America, Europe, and Africa showing the highest participation rates. However, in Africa, the presence of women in technical and executive positions remains critically low.

The Addis Ababa forum was convened to address these disparities and encourage a shift in corporate culture across the aviation industry. Hamusonde called on African leaders to prioritize gender inclusivity in policy-making, ensuring women are afforded equal opportunities across all facets of the sector—from piloting aircraft to holding boardroom positions.

She commended Ethiopian Airlines for its leadership, particularly its tradition since 2015 of operating all-women flights on International Women’s Day. These symbolic flights underscore the potential for women’s empowerment while also highlighting the need for deeper structural reforms.

Reaffirming COMESA’s commitment, Hamusonde stressed that gender equity in aviation is not merely about representation—it is vital to building a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable industry across Africa.