Airservices celebrates Women of Aviation Week Worldwide

Women interested in a career in aviation will get a look behind-the-scenes at Airservices air traffic control centres this week as part of Women in Aviation Week Worldwide.

Airservices will mark Women of Aviation Week Worldwide through a series of activities that celebrate and highlight the achievements of women, including forums on Wednesday 4 March at Airservices air traffic control centres in Melbourne and Brisbane.

The events will feature Airservices staff talking about air traffic control, aviation fire and rescue and other career opportunities available as well as behind-the-scenes tours of Airservices facilities. Each of the events will also include a guest speaker from the Australian Women’s Pilots Association.

On Friday 6 March at 11 am (eastern daylight savings time), an interview with Airservices Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Staib, will also air on the Women of Aviation Week’s website.

In the interview, Margaret discusses her military career in the Royal Australian Air Force, her experience in building her career and her pathway to leadership.

Airservices Acting Executive General Manager People and Culture, Kate Gardiner, said Airservices is committed to supporting diversity within the workplace and promoting opportunities for women in aviation.

“We are focused on attracting women to operational areas of the organisation such as air traffic control, technical and engineering roles and aviation rescue fire fighting,” Ms Gardiner said.

“This week provides us with an opportunity to encourage women to consider a role in aviation by showcasing the achievements of our existing workforce.

“It is also a timely reminder to young women that there are varied and interesting career options available in an organisation where it is possible to make a significant contribution to the economy, community and helping others.”

Airservices staff will also celebrate the week through a series of internal activities aimed at supporting workplace diversity. This will include ‘turning purple’ in support of Fitted for Work, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at helping women experiencing disadvantage to get work and keep it.

Airservices has partnered with the Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide as part of the 5^th annual Women of Aviation Week Worldwide. The week long celebrations include various events being held around Australia and the world that coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March.