An Indian airline the ‘Air India Express’ made history by operating the first-ever all-female crewed flight carrying Hajj pilgrims from Kerala to Saudi Arabia. The flight departed from Kozhikode and arriving in Jeddah marked a significant milestone for women in aviation.
Moreover, Captain Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi were the ones who flew the plane and pen down the historic moment. They showed that women can be excellent pilots and their skills and hard work were crucial for the flight’s success.
Women empowerment
In addition to the all-female crew, four female members were also present on the flight to attend to the needs of the pilgrim passengers. This ensured a comfortable and supportive environment throughout the journey.
Indian Minority Affairs State Minister John Barla was present at the airport to hand over boarding passes to the passengers symbolizing the support and recognition of this groundbreaking milestone.
The successful operation of the all-women Hajj flight represents a significant milestone in promoting gender equality and empowering women in religious journeys.
This achievement demonstrates that women can excel and take on traditionally male-dominated roles in the aviation industry. The flight serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to pursue careers in aviation, showcasing the possibilities and breaking barriers.
Furthermore, it highlights the progressive steps taken by both the Indian government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure gender equality and inclusivity in religious practices.
The historic flight has garnered attention and recognition worldwide, emphasizing the importance of promoting diversity and equal opportunities in various fields.
The success of this endeavor encourages further initiatives and endeavors that empower women and challenge societal norms.
Ladies without Mehram
These female pilgrims were part of a larger group of 4,000 Indian women who embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage independently, without the need for a male guardian.
Moreover, the change in policy was prompted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia‘s decision to lift the requirement for female pilgrims to be accompanied by a male guardian.
Therefore, India adapted its Hajj policy accordingly allowing women to participate in the pilgrimage without the need for a male companion.
The majority of the Indian pilgrims falling under the “Ladies without Mehram” category, who undertake the Hajj pilgrimage without a male guardian, are from Kerala.
Kerala with high female Hajj pilgrims
Kerala stands out among other Indian states with a higher percentage of female Hajj pilgrims, accounting for 60% of the total pilgrims from the state.
The state of Kerala, with a population of 35 million, has a significant Muslim population, making up approximately one-fourth of the residents.
Moreover, out of India’s overall quota of 175,000, around 11,000 Muslims from Kerala will be performing the Hajj pilgrimage this year, and approximately 60% of them will be women.
Therefore, the historic flight serves as a source of pride and celebration for India. It showcases the country’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The recognition and appreciation of the all-female crewed flight can contribute to changing societal norms and attitudes towards women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated domains.
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It encourages a shift towards more inclusive practices and paves the way for a more equitable society. Therefore, the flight’s accomplishment is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where women have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and careers.
It highlights the importance of education and access to opportunities in enabling women to participate actively and meaningfully in all spheres of life.
