Courage Needed For Women To Fly -- Captain Zephina

SEPANG (Selangor, Malaysia), Nov 25 (Bernama) -- While breaking through the glass ceiling in aviation, which was once a male-dominated aviation industry, is never easy, one should not disregard the female's strength and ability to do so. AirAsia Bhd's pilot, Captain Zephina Khanam Mohd Jasbir, 31, said for women to be able to assert themselves in the workplace, they should have the courage and being adaptable in the working environment. "Experience builds character. Initially, it might be uncomfortable to work with men. "Eventually, we become friends and then you build your reputation and it will be nicer to work," she said in a session to share her experience with 120 secondary students at the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence here Friday. The programme is part of AirAsia's corporate social responsibility campaign initiative -- #GirlsCanDoAnything. Zephina, who came from a family of pilots, credited her brothers for her love of the aviation industry. "It is in the family. We actually enjoy flying," she added. She said there were always challenges for a female who worked in the aviation sector, including bad impressions thrown at them. "It does not matter because the aircraft does not discriminate whether you are a female or a male pilot. "What is important is you are doing the right thing with all training given by AirAsia," said Zephina, who has been AirAsia pilot for 10 years. Zephina also emphasised the importance of parents' blessings. "Be good to your parents. The blessings of your life and the journey of your life comes from their prayers and their happiness towards you," she said. AirAsia's Aircraft Engineer, Izyan Syazwani Mahfur, 28, said her optimism kept her going in the industry. "There are always people who look down on women. We have to keep telling ourselves to keep going. With the support from my family, friends and colleagues, I am able to get my licence as an aircraft engineer," she said. As of October 2016, AirAsia has 19 female aircraft engineers and 38 female pilots while AirAsia X has 10 female pilots and four female aircraft engineers. AirAsia has collaborated with Teach For Malaysia, a not-for-profit body to mobilise a movement of leaders to empower the nation through the power of education. The campaign hosted 120 female students from three schools for a site visit to the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence followed by a tour of AirAsia headquarters. The participating schools were: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sungai Manggis, Banting; Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Pandamaran Jaya, Klang; and, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jengka Pusat, Pahang. -- BERNAMA