Women working in the aviation and travel and tourism sector share their thoughts on different aspects of their work and what is like to navigate the largely male-dominated top echelons of the management.

Tanu Lele, Head of Corporate Sales – India and Desiree Dubier, Contact Centre Manager of Cathay Pacific Airways share their views. 

Indian hospitality scenario

Tanu Lele, Head of Corporate Sales - India, Cathay Pacific Airways says, “Women account for almost 70 per cent of the workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector across the world. Regardless of this number, women in this segment, unfortunately do not always receive the same benefits and opportunities as men. They hold less than 40 per cent of all supervisory positions and less than 20 per cent of general managerial positions.

The Indian hospitality and aviation segment is still largely male-dominated. However there have been positive advancements that make the industry more diverse. In fact, hospitality is now one of the top five sectors for women across levels. Many organisations have actively been taking measures to offer safer and progressive working environments for women. Already existing women leaders and male allies have been working towards welcoming and empowering women.  In my opinion, the future for women seems very positive, and I look forward to seeing them progress and make powerful strides across all industries.”

Desiree Dubier, Contact Centre Manager, Cathay Pacific Airways says, “According to a study, the Indian hospitality industry has a female workforce of only 20 per cent, with less than 3 per cent in leadership positions. Though the current ratio of men to women employees in hospitality is outweighed by male employees, the sector is constantly working towards bolstering the proportion of women and enhancing gender parity. For many years, women in the travel and hospitality industry in India occupied the frontline, however, today women are increasingly occupying managerial level positions in the industry. There are also numerous women entrepreneurs who are proud owners of their own travel and hospitality enterprises.”

Work from Home

TL: Work from home was indeed challenging in the first few months, as we tried to strike a balance between work and home chores. However, over-time there I was able to adapt more easily, and could see myself getting more work done. Working from home can be very productive if you have the support of your family. Having said that I definitely miss meeting my colleagues and I look forward to being back in the office.

DD: COVID-19 brought in a degree of change in how we work. The pandemic saw us overcome our greatest challenge- continuing our Contact Centre operations and providing seamless service to customers from the confines of our home. While work-from-home has been quite smooth for me, I do miss the interaction and the camaraderie at the workplace. As a team all our internal communications are restricted to calls, virtual conferences and messages. I strongly believe there is no substitute for human interaction, and you can accomplish a lot more when the team is together physically. However, with the support of technology we have been able to continue our operations and communicate smoothly with one another, but it does leave me wanting to return to the office.

Challenges faced 

TL:  Challenges are a natural course of any good journey. I have had my share of success and failures. Learning from my mistakes and bringing about that change in myself, which lead to brighter prospects, has been my biggest challenge and an opportunity. It’s been an exciting journey of growth and development

DD: As far as I can recall, I don’t think there were any challenges, only opportunities, and it was up to me to make the best use of them. I am very blessed to work with an organisation like Cathay Pacific that believes in its people and supports them in achieving their goals and aspirations.

Safety first

TL: We do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. We have a strong policy in place specific to sexual harassment– Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), which is strictly adhered to. In our opinion, Cathay Pacific provides women, with a very safe and conducive environment to work and grow. 

Women participation in the workforce

DD: As a global business, we prioritise gender-diversity and inculcate an environment that provides our employees with equal opportunity. Across all regions, women account for 55 per cent of our total workforce.  

Facilities provided to women

TL: Women are entitled to six months maternity leave and can also avail of flexible working hours once they resume work. Additionally, they can take advantage of The Global Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers expert guidance and specialised support on any kind of issue. Furthermore, we also provide women with a comprehensive insurance coverage that includes maternity cover, pre/post-natal expenses. The insurance is also extended to the new-born baby from day one of their birth. 

DD: The safety of our employees, both women and men, are extremely important to us. Our women employees working during night shifts are provided with dedicated a pick-up and drop service. As an added measure, we also have a female security accompanying them throughout their journey to the office or home. 

Message to Hospitality aspirants

TL:  The world of travel and aviation continues to inspire me. From being passionate about Aviation coupled with my experiences; I would like to tell all women to pursue what inspires you and accept the challenges that come along. Taking on challenges outside your comfort zone is where we all learn and grow. 

DD: There is no easy way to achieve your dreams, it takes hard work, dedication and love for your work. Find joy in what you do and believe in yourself – this is my message for young aspirants as it has always worked for me.