Anac and UnB reinforce the importance of female inclusion in the aviation sector during the ''Women in Aviation'' Seminar

Event presented research results on barriers to female participation in the aviation sector and reinforced actions of the Wings for All program

The National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac), in partnership with the University of Brasília (UnB), held the seminar Women in Aviation: Actions for Inclusive Regulation on April 3rd. The event took place at Anac’s auditorium in Brasília (DF) and brought together representatives from Anac, as well as professors and researchers from UnB, to discuss challenges and propose solutions to increase female participation in the Brazilian aviation sector.

Anac Director Mariana Altoé opened the seminar and emphasized the importance of the event: “We want this work to pave the way for new studies and broaden this debate, enabling concrete progress toward equity in aviation,” she stated.

Throughout the event, discussions focused on key issues related to female inclusion in aviation. Highlights included:

• A discussion on the current reality of women in the aviation sector, featuring data on female representation in both national and international contexts;

• A debate on inclusive regulation, with proposals to improve standards and create more opportunities for women;

• A presentation of the research roadmap, outlining recommendations and next steps to help transform the aviation work environment into a more diverse and inclusive space.

Research “Women in Civil Aviation: studies for inclusive regulation in the sector” 

The highlight of the seminar was the presentation of research findings conducted by UnB professors Inez Lopes, Carla Antloga, Polliana Cândida, Victor Rafael Rezende, and Fabio Iglesias. Based on data collected from companies in the sector, the study revealed key information and identified the main barriers women face in entering and remaining in the aviation industry, such as:

• Gender stereotypes: the perception that technical and leadership roles are predominantly male;

• Lack of female role models in the sector: The scarcity of visible role models makes it difficult to inspire new professionals;

• Challenges in balancing work and family: Professional demands that may conflict with family responsibilities affect women's ability to remain in the field,

One of the data points presented focused on the pilot profession, where only 3.6% of professionals are women — revealing a landscape still marked by gender inequality.

Wings for All Program 

The seminar is part of the work plan under the Technical Cooperation Agreement (ACT) No. 1/2024 of the Wings for All program, signed by ANAC in partnership with the Ministries of Ports and Airports (MPor), Human Rights and Citizenship (MDHC), Racial Equality (MIR), Women (MMulheres), and Tourism (MTur).

Through this agreement, Anac reaffirms its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector. The Wings for All program is structured around three key subprograms: Inclusion and Diversity, Training and Development, and Women in Aviation — the latter specifically focused on inspiring girls and women to pursue careers in aviation.

Key initiatives of the program include:
• Promoting training opportunities for women, with 50% of available spots in technical education and qualification programs reserved for female participants;
• Establishing partnerships with companies and educational institutions to expand training and employability opportunities for women throughout the aviation industry.

Paths Forward

Anac has made progress through initiatives such as the Wings for All program and the signing of international agreements, and continues to work towards promoting gender equity in the aviation sector. 

Learn more about the Wings for All program.  

Watch the full seminar.

Anac Communications Office