Intersections of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Submitted by Anesha Mohammed

Oct 10, 2024

Celebrating Women’s History, Islamic Women’s History, and Women in STEM in Aerospace

October is a month rich with opportunity for reflection, celebration, and advocacy, especially at the intersection of gender, religion, and professional achievement. It marks the celebration of Women’s History Month in Canada, Islamic Women’s History Month, and Women in STEM Month. These three commemorations intersect with profound implications for the aerospace sector, a field where women’s contributions are historically underrepresented. For women—especially Muslim women and women of color—working in aerospace and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, the month offers a chance to examine not only their own struggles and triumphs but also the broader context of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in STEM industries.

The significance of celebrating these different aspects of women’s history cannot be understated, particularly within a world that has historically marginalized both women and people of faith, especially Muslim women. By recognizing these overlapping observances in October, society is encouraged to reflect on the many ways in which gender, race, religion, and professional identity shape the experiences of women in aerospace. In an industry where women occupy only a fraction of the positions, and Muslim women are even rarer, the intersections of these October observances provide a unique opportunity to uplift their stories, challenge institutional biases, and envision a more inclusive future for aerospace and STEM.

Women in Aerospace: A Field of Exclusion and Opportunity

Aerospace is often considered the frontier of human ingenuity. However, its history is one largely dominated by men—often white men—who have historically occupied most of the leadership, research, and development roles. Women, by contrast, have struggled for recognition, representation, and inclusion. According to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), only about 24% of the aerospace workforce consists of women, and that percentage drops further when it comes to leadership roles. For women of color, particularly Muslim women, the numbers are even more discouraging. These stark statistics underscore the need for a more robust approach to EDI within aerospace, one that understands and addresses the intersectional challenges faced by women in these fields.

Yet women have made notable contributions to aerospace. Figures such as Roberta Bondar was the first Canadian woman in space, Julie Payette is a former astronaut and Governor General of Canada, Elsie MacGill was the world’s first female aircraft designer, and Farah Mustapha, the first hijab-wearing flight attendant working for a Canadian airline, represent significant milestones in the industry. Nevertheless, these women are often presented as exceptions rather than part of a systemic movement toward gender equity in aerospace. The focus tends to be on individual success rather than on addressing the systemic barriers that prevent more women from entering and excelling in the field.

The Intersection of Women’s History and Women in Aerospace

Women’s History Month in Canada offers an opportunity to spotlight these pioneering women while also acknowledging the collective struggles of women in aerospace. Celebrating these women without acknowledging the barriers they faced would be a disservice to the movement for gender equality in STEM fields. It’s important to remember that the contributions of women to aerospace are not limited to the famous figures who have made it into history books. There are countless women working behind the scenes in aerospace research, engineering, and technological innovation who also deserve recognition. These women have been integral in developing new technologies, leading research projects, and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge in aerospace.

By connecting Women’s History Month with Women in STEM Month, we can frame the narrative in a way that acknowledges not only the individual successes of women in aerospace but also the systemic challenges that continue to impede their progress. Women in STEM Month offers a platform for discussing the need for institutional change within industries like aerospace. The lack of diversity in leadership roles, the pervasive gender pay gap, and the biases that women—especially women of color and Muslim women—face are all issues that must be addressed if aerospace is to become a truly inclusive field.

Islamic Women’s History Month: A Layered Experience of Identity

Islamic Women’s History Month adds another important layer to this discussion. Muslim women in STEM, and particularly those in aerospace, face unique challenges due to the dual biases of gender and religion. Islamophobia, cultural misunderstandings, and the pressure to conform to Western norms can exacerbate the already difficult journey that women face in these fields.

The underrepresentation of Muslim women in aerospace is indicative of broader systemic problems. In a field where diversity is already limited, Muslim women often feel doubly isolated. They face not only the gender biases that affect all women in STEM but also the religious and cultural biases that come with being visibly Muslim in a predominantly non-Muslim industry. This is particularly true for Muslim women who wear the hijab or otherwise visibly express their faith. The hijab can be a point of contention or misunderstanding in professional settings, leading to assumptions about a woman’s competence, cultural background, or even her commitment to the industry.

However, Islamic Women’s History Month is not just a time to reflect on the challenges Muslim women face; it’s also a time to celebrate their achievements. Muslim women, like all women, have made significant contributions to aerospace, often while navigating both sexism and Islamophobia. Figures like Anousheh Ansari, the first Muslim woman in space, offer a glimpse of the possibilities when Muslim women are given the chance to excel. By celebrating the achievements of Muslim women in aerospace, we can challenge the stereotypes that often surround them and open up new pathways for future generations.

EDI: At the Heart of the Aerospace Industry’s Future

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are essential components of a thriving, innovative industry. Aerospace, more than many other sectors, depends on the best and brightest minds to push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. To achieve this, the industry must become more inclusive, not only in terms of gender but also in terms of race, religion, and cultural background.

The push for greater EDI in aerospace must go beyond tokenism. It requires a systemic overhaul that addresses the root causes of exclusion in the industry. This includes not only tackling unconscious bias in hiring and promotions but also creating more inclusive work environments where women—particularly women of color and Muslim women—can thrive. Policies such as flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, and active recruitment of women and minorities are essential steps toward achieving a more diverse aerospace workforce.

Moreover, the intersection of these October observances highlights the need for a broader understanding of diversity in aerospace. It’s not enough to simply recruit more women or people of color. The industry must also be prepared to address the unique challenges faced by Muslim women, who often find themselves at the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination. This means creating spaces where Muslim women can express their faith without fear of judgment or exclusion, and where their contributions are recognized and valued on equal terms.

The Path Forward: Creating a More Inclusive Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry has the potential to be a leader in EDI, but it will require concerted effort to get there. Women’s History Month, Islamic Women’s History Month, and Women in STEM Month provide an important opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. These commemorations remind us that the fight for equity in aerospace is far from over.

The industry must take a more proactive role in addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women—especially Muslim women and women of color—from advancing in aerospace. This includes not only addressing biases in hiring and promotion but also creating more inclusive work environments where women can feel safe, supported, and valued. By doing so, the aerospace industry can tap into a wealth of talent that has historically been overlooked, and in doing so, it can drive innovation and progress in ways that benefit everyone.

Ultimately, the intersection of these three October observances serves as a reminder that the fight for equity, diversity, and inclusion in aerospace is not a one-dimensional struggle. It is a fight that involves addressing the unique challenges faced by women, people of color, and religious minorities all at once. Only by recognizing and addressing these intersecting forms of discrimination can the aerospace industry hope to become a truly inclusive and innovative field.

As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that the celebration of women in aerospace—whether through the lens of Women’s History Month, Islamic Women’s History Month, or Women in STEM Month—is not just about recognizing individual achievements. It’s about creating a future where all women, regardless of their background, can contribute to the future of aerospace without facing the barriers that have held them back for far too long.

Citations:

  1. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). “Diversity in Aerospace Workforce Statistics.” AIAA.org, 2023.
  2. Bondar, Roberta. “Women of Impact in science, technology, engineering and mathematics”, 2021.
  3. MacGill, Elsie. “36 More Great Women” Canada’s History, 2017.
  4. National Women’s History Museum. “The History of Women in Aerospace.” NWHM.org, 2022