Evrim Ünal Gökce, our Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Çelebi Aviation, answered questions about being a woman in the aviation industry, women's employment rates, and leadership as part of Oksijen Newspaper's special "Women Leaders of Today and Tomorrow" project for International Women's Day on March 8.
The aviation industry, with its dynamic structure requiring speed, agility, and uninterrupted operations, presents many challenges. However, turning these challenges into opportunities and making a difference in the industry is possible with the vision of strong leaders. Evrim Ünal Gökce, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Çelebi Aviation, has viewed diversity and inclusion not just as a value but as a strategic force that drives transformation in the business world throughout her career. At Çelebi Aviation, a company that supports women taking on leadership roles and ensures equal opportunities in all areas in an industry that is often seen as male-dominated like aviation, Evrim Ünal Gökce prioritizes taking significant steps as one of the pioneers of this transformation.
WOMEN'S STRENGTH IN AVIATION: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF LEADERS AT ÇELEBİ AVIATION
As a successful female leader in a male-dominated sector like aviation, what has been your biggest motivation?
Aviation, by its nature, is a highly dynamic sector that requires quick decision-making and agility. This dynamic structure has always been a source of passion and motivation for me in all of my roles. Since the beginning of my career, I have believed that women should be stronger and more visible in all sectors. Despite common beliefs, being able to show that women can make a difference in male-dominated sectors and contributing to making this possible has been a driving force in my career journey. Today, at Çelebi Aviation, diversity and inclusion have become not just a principle but a culture embedded in the DNA of our company. Ensuring that women have a greater presence in leadership, inspiring them, and creating real opportunities is not just a goal for me, but a source of great pride. At Çelebi Aviation, we know that there is no gender in work; anyone can be an expert in their field. Career planning is based on evaluating the skills, competencies, and qualities required for the job. Furthermore, thanks to our view of differences and diversity as our global strength, I can say that we make a difference.
What approach does Çelebi Aviation adopt in terms of diversity and inclusion?
We see diversity and inclusion not just as a corporate policy but as an integral part of the way we work. We demonstrate our commitment to this area through concrete steps as one of the pioneering companies in our sector that signed the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Supporting women’s stronger participation in economic life and ensuring more women in leadership positions is one of our top priorities. As of today, the percentage of female executives in all the countries we operate in is around 30%, and the percentage of female employees at our headquarters has impressively reached 50%. These efforts have helped us reach the top 10 on Capital Magazine’s “Women Employee-Friendly Companies” list in 2023. This is a tangible reflection of our practices that encourage female employment and leadership. For us, diversity is not just a topic that can be measured by numbers; it is a critical force that fuels innovation, accelerates sustainable growth, and shapes the future of our business.
What initiatives have you implemented to support female employees?
At Çelebi Aviation, we implement comprehensive and effective programs to empower the career journeys of our female employees. With women’s leadership development programs, mentoring projects, and rotation opportunities, we open new horizons for their careers. We support them in achieving work-life balance through flexible working models and hybrid working practices. In addition, by making our maternity leave and post-birth support policies more inclusive, we ensure that our female employees stay strong in their professional lives. We also lead the way in offering international rotation opportunities, enabling them to gain global experience. Female employees who transfer from Turkey to the other countries where we provide services are at the heart of Çelebi Aviation’s global growth vision. We are here not just to ensure women’s presence in the workforce, but to enable them to lead.
What do you think is the biggest contribution of women leaders to the business world?
Women leaders influence the business world not just as managers but as pioneers of transformation. With their empathy-focused, inclusive, and collaborative management styles, they empower teams, trigger innovation, and make sustainable success possible. Research also shows that companies with active female leaders achieve higher levels of employee engagement and innovation. At Çelebi Aviation, in our global management approach, we believe that diversity is not just a value but the strength of our business. While supporting women leaders, we also create a work environment that embraces young talent, different generations, and diversity, shaping the future of the business world.
What is the most important career advice you would give to young women?
Young women should be brave, believe in their potential, and not hesitate to seize the opportunities that come their way. The key to success in the business world lies in continuous learning, self-development, and willingness to take on responsibility. They may encounter obstacles; however, they should not forget that they have the strength to overcome these challenges with determination. Additionally, finding role models who can mentor them and being open to different experiences will strengthen their career journey. Women should nourish their self-confidence to make their voices heard, express their ideas boldly, and take on leadership roles when necessary. It is crucial for them to strengthen their financial literacy, achieve economic independence, invest in themselves, and evaluate their talents in the best possible way. The increased participation of women in male-dominated sectors like aviation not only boosts diversity but also contributes to the sustainable success of companies. I believe now is the time to take action and make a difference.
