The aerospace and aviation industries have long been seen as male-dominated fields. Today however, women are driving change, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of aviation. Despite the continuing challenges they face daily, women are making remarkable contributions in engineering, innovation, and leadership roles.
At CAELESTIS, in collaboration with Horizon Europe sister projects, we recently hosted an event “Bridging the Gap: Women in Next-Generation Aerospace & Aviation Manufacturing.” This event brought together industry experts to discuss their career journeys, barriers, and strategies to foster a brighter future for gender diversity in the field.
The session was moderated by Nouhaila Bouhout (RTDS Group) and included the following speakers: Estelle Castanet Barrois (GKN Aerospace), Arpana Sanker (Ziegler Aerospace), Giota Lilli (eBOS), and Emma Gil (FLASH-COMP project, Lortek).
The Reality of Gender Imbalance in Aerospace
Women continue to face myriad barriers their male counterparts avoid, such as unconscious bias and limited representation in leadership. These challenges make it difficult for many to break into and excel in a variety of STEM fields.
This online event highlighted the inspiring career journeys of the women shaping aerospace and aviation industries. It highlighted the importance of mentorship, resilience and structural changes that support gender diversity.
Estelle Castanet Barrois, Technology Project Manager at GKN Aerospace and CAELESTIS project partner, emphasized adaptability, and self-trust as key factors in career growth. Estelle’s key message was “Trust your instinct.” She encouraged women to take risks, build strong networks, and believe in their place in the aerospace industry.
Arpana Sanker, Executive Director at Ziegler Aerospace, shared her experience leading innovative aviation projects. Her work spans predictive maintenance models, composite repair techniques, and sustainability initiatives, all aimed at modernizing aerospace technologies. She emphasized that women in aviation should be fearless in breaking barriers, as they are integral to the future of the industry.
“She flies with her own wings, breaking barriers and redefining the skies—because the future of aviation is fearless and female.” Arpana Sanker
Giota Lilli, R&D Manager at eBOS Technologies and CAELESTIS project partner, highlighted her transition from aviation operations to cybersecurity. Her career path demonstrates how diverse skills—from flight operations to digital security—are crucial in the evolving aerospace sector.
She noted that in Cyprus, where she is based, societal traditions sometimes delay progress in gender inclusivity. “Innovation, not just in technology but also in leadership, is slower in some regions,” she explained. “That’s why celebrating women in these roles and ensuring they have a seat at the decision-making table is crucial.”
“We are the pillars of next-gen aviation. We must be part of this evolution.” Giota Lilli
Another inspiring speaker was Emma Gil, a researcher at Lortek from the FLASH-COMP project, who addressed one of the biggest challenges women face in aerospace: balancing work and family life. “Many women, when they reach the stage of career consolidation, encounter an aggravated gender gap or glass ceiling, especially after becoming mothers,” she explained.
To close the gender gap, Gil emphasized the need for structural changes, including:
- Promoting leadership opportunities for women in aerospace R&D.
- Increasing visibility for female scientists—for example, programs like Emakumeak Zientzian in the Basque Country, which highlight young female talent.
- Mentorship programs connecting senior women with younger generations.
- Challenging gender norms at home, encouraging equal distribution of household tasks.
Her final advice? “Don’t undervalue yourself. Assert your talent. And don’t try to be a superwoman—delegate responsibilities to maintain a balance.”
These diverse career journeys highlight a crucial truth: there is no single path to success in aerospace. From engineering roles to cybersecurity and leadership, women continue to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries in the field.
Panel Discussion: The Role of Women in Reshaping Aerospace & Aviation Manufacturing
The event’s panel discussion explored critical questions about gender diversity in aerospace:
- What barriers continue to limit women’s participation in aerospace?
- How can industry, policymakers, and academia foster gender diversity?
- Will advancements in AI & automation close or widen the gender gap?
- What best practices and policies are driving real change?
The discussion highlighted several systemic challenges:
- Workplace Bias & Gender Stereotypes – many workplaces remain male-dominated, requiring women to work harder to prove their expertise.
- Leadership & Career Progression Barriers – Limited representation in leadership roles restricts mentorship opportunities and career growth.
- Work-life balance – The aerospace sector’s high demands, frequent travel, and lack of family-friendly policies often make it difficult for women to advance.
- STEM Education – A lack of early exposure to aerospace careers discourages young women from pursuing technical roles.
Despite these challenges, the conversation also emphasized the importance of gender diversity for innovation and industry growth. Companies that invest in inclusivity have been show to benefit from improved financial performance and long-term growth. Panelists agreed that mentorship programs, inclusive policies, and cross-sector collaboration are all essential to drive real change.
The aerospace industry is evolving, and women are at the heart of this transformation. Whether through engineering, leadership, or innovation, their contributions are shaping the next generation of aviation.
In CAELESTIS, through interactive activities, industry collaborations, and targeted initiatives, we are committed to promoting gender balance in the project and the aviation industry.
