Women in Aviation Award – Prof Marina Efthymiou
Earlier this month, I received the Women in Aviation Award at the Aviation Industry Awards 2025. It is an honour that fills me with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility. As someone who arrived in Ireland almost a decade ago and made it my home, being recognised by the Irish aviation community means more than words can express.
But this award is not only about me. It belongs to the women, the students, and all underrepresented voices who continue to push against the structural and cultural barriers in aviation. Their courage and determination make this recognition truly meaningful.
Why This Award Matters
Across my career in Europe and beyond, I have witnessed how aviation remains a male-dominated industry. My research shows that many women still face the glass ceiling, tokenism, unequal opportunities, work-life imbalance, and, far too often, discrimination and harassment.
In our national study of the Irish aviation workforce, women reported higher levels of discrimination, fewer development opportunities, and more barriers to progression than men. And yet, the challenges are not the same for everyone. Gender does not exist on its own. Race, sexuality, disability, caring responsibilities, age, and class all shape how women experience aviation.
The lived experiences shared in my ongoing research are powerful. Women of colour, migrant women, LGBTQ+ employees, and those with caring responsibilities describe everything from subtle exclusion to deeply harmful behaviour. Their stories send a clear message: change must be systemic, intersectional, and embraced by the entire industry. This award acknowledges that work. More importantly, it shows that the industry understands that gender equity and inclusion are essential to aviation’s future.
My philosophy is simple: academia should work hand-in-hand with industry. Whether through policy work, research on sustainable aviation, or projects on diversity and inclusion, I believe that knowledge should lead to real impact.
Our research on gender diversity in Irish aviation – the first national dataset of its kind – has already started important conversations within the sector. We can make progress, but only with deliberate action: transparent promotion processes, targeted mentoring, inclusive work–life policies, and workplace cultures that actively challenge bias and harassment.
Celebrating the Efforts of Women Across Ireland and Beyond
One of my greatest sources of inspiration has been PropelHer. This initiative has become a strong, supportive, and collaborative force for women in the Irish aviation sector. PropelHer creates spaces where women can share challenges, celebrate achievements, and build the networks so essential for progression in a male-dominated industry. It is building community, confidence, and meaningful support – not only for women already in leadership roles, but also for early-career professionals and students who need guidance and visibility. PropelHer shows what is possible when women lift each other up.
This award is also a moment to recognise the determination of women in aviation – here in Ireland and around the world – who are reshaping the sector every single day:
- Women leading research and shaping sustainability debates
- Women in industry who challenge old norms and create inclusive workplaces
- Women in flight operations, engineering, ATC, maintenance, and safety who break stereotypes simply by doing their jobs
- Women in regulatory bodies, international organisations, and policy roles who drive equity, safety, and innovation
- And women students – the next generation – who will carry this transformation forward
Their work inspires me daily and reinforces why evidence-based EDI research is so important. The testimonies from my ongoing lived-experience study show not only the challenges women face, but also their strength, resilience, and commitment to aviation.
A Call to Women and Students: Aviation Needs You
To women considering aviation: your voice, expertise, and presence are needed. Whether you are drawn to engineering, piloting, safety, sustainability, airports, policy, or management, there is space for you. The industry needs your ideas to innovate and grow.
To students of all identities: you are the future of this sector. You will shape the next generation of safety, sustainability, and leadership. Aviation needs diverse thinkers, researchers, designers, policymakers, and innovators. I hope this award reminds you that your ambitions are not only valid – they are vital.”
To connect with Prof Marina Efthymiou, reach out to her on LinkedIn or email marina.efthymiou@dcu.ie
To find out more about studying Aviation at DCU Business School:
BSc in Aviation Management/with Pilot Studies/with Air Traffic Controller Studies
SOCIAL CHANNELS
LATEST NEWS
