In new world of work, the sky is the limit

For decades Chinese women have been pushing against boundaries and gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated industries.

- By ZHU WENQIAN

Captain Gu Xinyue (left) makes flight preparations in the cockpit of an aircraft in Hefei, Anhui province, in March last year.

(HAN SUYUAN / CHINA NEWS SERVICE)

From civil aviation and technology to food delivery, they have carved out their own unique niche with resilience and skill-building.

Their progress has redefined the realm of possibilities in male-centric spaces, and they continue to challenge outdated norms and broaden opportunities for gender equality in all kinds of fields.

For instance, a growing number of women have pursued careers as pilots. Strict gender controls used to be imposed on pilot recruitment, but now domestic airlines continue to lift such restrictions.

Just over a decade ago, China Southern Airlines, whose headquarters is in Guangzhou, had only five female pilots; today it has more than 30. Through their own efforts and guided by the spirit that women are no less capable than men, these pilots have reached new heights with professionalism and dedication.