The ICAO EUR/NAT Regional Workshop on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Aviation has officially commenced in Almaty. The event was opened by Nicolas Rallo, Regional Director ICAO EUR/NAT Office, which represents 56 states out of ICAO’s 193 member countries, and Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The workshop brings together representatives from Kazakhstan's aviation sector and international participants, including leading global organizations (ICAO, Eurocontrol, EASA, SkyTeam, ACVFFI, and others), aviation companies, and business leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and beyond.

In her opening adress, Saltanat Tompiyeva emphasized the importance of gender equality in aviation:
"Today, we are not just discussing important issues – we are becoming part of a global movement that is shaping the future. Aviation symbolizes freedom, ambition, and the breaking of boundaries. We are here to inspire, support, and create opportunities so that every woman and man who dreams of becoming a pilot, an engineer, or an aviation leader knows that their dream is within reach."

She also expressed gratitude to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly Nicolas Rallo, for initiating and supporting this event in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan fully supports the ICAO Program aimed at achieving the ambitious goal of ensuring gender equality in aviation. In his speech, Nicolas Rallo highlighted Kazakhstan's leadership, noting its significant progress in promoting gender equality in the aviation sector. "ICAO remains fully committed to gender equality, and we will continue to actively engage with States, international organizations, and industry partners in initiatives to empower women in aviation. A good example, which you will hear more about during tomorrow's session, is the recently launched course on how to establish an effective mentoring programme," said N. Rallo.

Globally, women account for only 5% of airline pilots. In Kazakhstan, out of 1,459 pilots, just  34 are women. Across the country’s aviation sector, more than 9,500 women are employed, including 2,005 flight attendants, 104 air traffic controllers, and approximately 400 women in engineering and technical roles.

Over the course of two days, the event will feature panel sessions  on "Inspiring Young Women", "Gender Equality Success Stories in Aviation", "Mentoring for Success," and "Educational Initiatives for Women in Aviation."

Renowned aviation industry leaders will share their personal success stories, while aviation authorities and organizations from Europe and the CIS will present policies and best practices for advancing gender equality in the sector. Notable speakers include Milena Bowman, Executive Director for Airspace, Systems and Procedures, EUROCONTROL, Antonio Gonzalez-Gomez, Safety Promotion Business Partner, EASA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ambassador, Megi Xharo, ICAO NCMC and Advisor, Cabinet of Executive Director, Albania, Brian DeCouto, Regional Officer Aircraft Operations and Airworthiness, ICAO EUR/NAT, Ana Gagua, Trainee flight dispatcher, Geo Sky Airlines LLC

Additionally, speakers will conduct mentorship training sessions for all participants, highlighting mentorship as one of the most effective methods for promoting gender diversity and inclusion  in organizations. Universities across the region will also present their initiatives and strategies to encouraging young women to pursue careers in aviation.

Among the event’s guests is Diana Ibrayeva, a Boeing 737 Aircraft Captain at SCAT Airlines JSC, who emphasized the importance of this event for the industry:
"Thank you to the organizers for this workshop – it is truly a unique event. It provides an excellent open platform where we can share experiences, inspire one another, and support the next generation of female pilots. As active pilots, we are ready to guide young professionals, help them grow, and find their path in aviation. Initiatives like this sparkpassion for aviation among young people and help them invision a future in the industry."

Other notable invited speakers include Kymbat Artykbay, Senior First Officer on an Airbus at Air Astana, Azhar Nesipbayeva, First Officer and a member of Kazakhstan’s first all-female flight crew at Air Astana, as well as executives from local airlines and international airports.

The ICAO EUR/NAT Regional Workshop has become a significant event for the aviation community, bringing together professionals and young specialists on a unified platform. The open exchange of knowledge, practical insights, and inspiring stories fosters greater interest in aviation among the next generation. The organizers extend their gratitude to all participants and hope that such initiatives will become a tradition, fostering industry growth and supporting future pilots.