IWPA: Navigating 50 Years of Gender Equality in Indian Aviation

The Indian Women Pilots’ Association (IWPA) was a non-governmental organization founded in 1967 by trailblazing women in Indian aviation. The association, sustained through membership dues, sponsorships, and donations, provided interest-free loan scholarships to help women pursue advanced training. It also organized seminars, educational programs, and international collaborations to promote aviation awareness and training. IWPA had been instrumental in promoting women’s participation in the aviation sector in India, but despite its early successes and government support, IWPA was facing significant challenges in 2017. The association was grappling with stagnant membership growth, financial constraints, and a shortage of volunteers. IWPA's president, Dr. Harpreet De Singh, was tasked with revitalizing the organization. Could she help IWPA overcome these obstacles and continue its mission effectively? She and the founding members had to strategize to determine how to manage the association more efficiently, attract new members, and secure the necessary resources to sustain and grow IWPA.

This case study is suitable for a variety of courses in undergraduate and graduate programs, including non-profit management, leadership, gender diversity, and strategic management. It provides a comprehensive learning experience by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. By exploring the topics of organizational challenges, leadership, strategic management, and gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields, students will have the opportunity to do the following: <ul><li>Appreciate an NGO’s journey of establishment and growth and the differences from that of conventional profit-making organizations.</li><li>Analyze financial management techniques and fundraising strategies to address resource limitations and overcome various organization challenges to ensure an NGO’s sustainability.</li><li>Understand the historical and ongoing challenges women have had to overcome in male-dominated fields and how organizations like IWPA have continually strived to advocate for gender equality.</li><li>Learn the benefits of establishing and leveraging collaborations with domestic and international organizations to achieve organizational goals.</li><li>Discuss the importance of advocacy and how NGOs can influence policy to create broader social change.</li></ul>

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Aviation