The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is targeting stakeholders with Sh2.5 million for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Through its newly launched Diversity and Inclusion Awards, the agency seeks to recognize young women and IATA member airlines with three categories of prizes where each comes with $25,000 (Sh.2.5 million) payable to the awardee or their nominated charity working on diversity and inclusion projects.

“Aviation is the business of freedom,” notes IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, adding that the essence of aviation is building a global community by connecting people, businesses and cultures across great distances.

 “Ten million people work in the aviation industry to make this happen. And it is important that this workforce reflects the amazing diversity and inclusion that it fosters in our society,” he said, adding that  by launching these awards, IATA aims to celebrate the great work that is being done to take the aviation industry to the next level through inclusive policies.

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At the same time, he said while nominations for the awards are open from February 26 to March 31 this year,  the Inspirational Role Model Award will be presented to a female 30 years and above who holds a senior position within the industry and who has had a significant impact on the aviation agenda through her strong contribution to business delivery, as well as her ongoing support for the gender diversity agenda.

The High Flyer Award is designed to recognize one of aviation’s under-30 female contributors who has started to develop thought leadership in the industry. 

On the other hand--open to all IATA member airlines-- the Diversity and Inclusion Team Award is designed to recognize an airline that has seen a tangible change as a result of the work it has been doing in diversity and inclusion. 

Also, he said the first of these annual awards will be presented at IATA’s 75th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit to be held in Seoul, South Korea from 1-3 June 2019.