The drone industry is growing rapidly, increasing the demand for pilots, and creating an opportunity for women to step in and participate in this exciting new profession.
The percentage of female drone pilots with an FAA Remote Pilot certificate in the US has almost doubled from 3.9% in 2016 to 6.7% in 2019, and even though this is a small proportion compared to the number of male pilots, women are moving in the right direction to get involved with the future.
Why aren’t women more active in the drone industry?
Women face limited exposure to the industry and a lack of support when it comes to resources, mentorship, and training.
Hobbies like video games, virtual reality technology, and drones have typically attracted a male audience, but not anymore. As more women have demonstrated interest in technology, such as drones and virtual reality, companies have begun developing educational products and resources to target women. This growing interest has shifted preconceptions about the typical target audience for the drone market and has caused drone companies to focus on an untapped market.
Targeting technology products toward a specific gender creates a gap between the number of men and women involved in activities surrounding that product. With the correct knowledge and learning, women can gain interest and pursue drone piloting as a profession.
Women’s Potential in STEM Fields
Historically, the number of women in STEM has been limited, as these fields are seen as male-dominated professions. Through specialized programs designed to support women, STEM studies have seen an increase in female students, growing the number of female STEM professionals in the workforce.
Currently, women make up 27% of the STEM workforce, which is a huge rise compared to their involvement in 1970 at only 8%. Even though women have been underrepresented in STEM, they are equally capable of being involved in these industries.
Women have great potential of being involved in STEM careers, especially since 53% of women in 2018 earned STEM college degrees, implying that there is a great opportunity now and in the future for women to be involved in STEM careers. This statistic clearly shows that women have the capability and education to excel in the drone industry.
Organizations that Support Female Drone Piloting
Organizations worldwide have stepped in to create support networks for women interested in pursuing STEM careers.
“Women and Drones” is an important organization that connects women globally that have an interest in drone piloting. This organization supports women who are actively pursuing their dream of having a career in STEM or within the aviation industry. While many women shy away from STEM because of a lack of support and resources, this organization provides women worldwide with the encouragement they need, including scholarships, knowledge bases, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Another excellent organization supporting women in STEM and aviation is “Women Who Drone.” This online platform supports, educates, and empowers women and girls with drone technology. They have events and workshops that inspire women to become drone pilots by exposing them to the opportunities surrounding the profession. They provide exclusive drone lessons, providing hands-on experience to help women become more comfortable handling drone technology.
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