Articles of Interest

As Canada observes Mental Health Awareness Month 2025, industries are turning their focus toward well-being in high-stakes environments, and the aerospace sector is no exception. The demanding nature of aviation and space exploration requires peak mental performance, yet discussions around mental health often take a backseat, as we push through and get the work done.

While preparing the next sessions for WIA Canada , We came across this article that represents some of the finding from the seminal article of Peter Drucker published in 1999 and the importance of managing and developing ourselves .

He reminds us to ask some fundamental questions : “What are my strengths? How do I perform? What are my values? Where do I belong? What should my contribution be? “.”Don’t try to change yourself”, Drucker cautions.” Instead, concentrate on improving the skills you have and accepting assignments that are tailored to your individual way of working. If you do that, you can transform yourself from an ordinary worker into an outstanding performer.”

The purpose of this knowledge mobilization document is to put forward a set of recommendations that the Aviation Industry can use to recruit more female pilots and to foster a supportive environment for training women who wish to pursue aviation careers. The final goal is to be part of the movement to address the issue of gender equity within the aviation industry.

On March 6, 2025, Women in Aerospace Canada (WIA) and the Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) hosted #InspireHer, a dynamic International Women’s Day event celebrating women in aerospace. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, emphasized the urgency of advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry.
#InspireHer hosted by Brenda Landry united industry professionals, students, and allies to champion diversity and inclusion in aerospace. The event highlighted the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration in shaping our industry. Most importantly it was a call to action to develop and advance women in aerospace.

International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually in the first week of March, holds immense significance, especially in industries like aerospace, where women’s contributions have shaped history and continue to drive progress. Originally founded in the early 20th century as a platform for women to fight for labour rights, IWD has grown into a global celebration of women’s achievements in every sector—social, economic, cultural, and political. It not only honours the groundbreaking milestones women have achieved but also serves as a call to action for ongoing equality.

If I were a man, I’d start before I was ready. I’d speak boldly, unburdened by the need to always know. I’d demand my worth—not with apology, but with certainty. If I were a man, success would follow my confidence, not my credentials. I’d stride into rooms and claim space with a voice that commands authority. Perfection would not be my prison; good enough would be enough. If I were a man, my presence would preclude doubt. Capable. The best. That’s what they’d call me, no questions asked. My passion wouldn’t be dismissed as emotion—it would be praised as drive. If I were a man, I’d celebrate my triumphs without dimming their light.

As the year ends and holiday lights shine bright, it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the progress of women and their growing inclusion in the aerospace industry. Traditionally seen as a male-dominated field, the aerospace industry has undergone significant transformation over the years.
This December, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who are helping to shape the future of the aerospace industry while continuing to break down barriers and inspire future generations of girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In today’s world, we often hear the phrase: “How do you do it all?” For many women, this question seems loaded with societal expectations that we should have it all together—children, a thriving career, home-cooked meals, a well-coordinated schedule, and endless energy to cheer at every game or practice. It’s an idealized image that society has normalized but is far from the reality that most of us live. And let me remind you: fairytales don’t exist, perfection is unattainable, and no one can do it all alone.

October is a powerful month for reflecting on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in aerospace, as it aligns with Women’s History Month in Canada, Islamic Women’s History Month, and Women in STEM Month. These observances highlight the intersectional challenges faced by women—particularly Muslim women and women of color—in a historically male-dominated industry. With women representing only about 24% of the aerospace workforce and even fewer in leadership roles, the need for systemic change is evident. Celebrating the achievements of women like Roberta Bondar, Julie Payette, and Elsie MacGill is crucial, but the focus must also shift to addressing the institutional barriers that hinder greater diversity. To create a truly inclusive aerospace industry, efforts must go beyond tokenism and tackle the unique challenges that women and other underrepresented groups face.