- Dr. Shahnaz Laghari, the world’s first Hijabi female pilot, has made history by piloting an aircraft while wearing a veil, securing her a prestigious place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- Dr. Laghari acknowledged the challenges she faced as a Hijabi pilot, including societal stereotypes and biases within the aviation industry.
- Despite workplace prejudices and opposition from peers, Dr. Laghari’s determination and achievements pave the way for breaking down barriers, offering inspiration for women in veils.
Pakistani woman, Dr. Shahnaz Laghari has etched her name in history as the world’s first ever Hijabi female pilot, achieving the remarkable feat of piloting an aircraft while wearing a veil.
World’s First Hijabi Pilot Enters Guinness World Records
Her groundbreaking accomplishment has earned her a prestigious place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Beyond her aviation prowess, Dr. Laghari is an active social worker in her community, where she operates several training centers aimed at empowering women in society. Born in Lahore, she embarked on her political journey as an independent candidate, making her debut in the General Elections of 2013 from Lahore, albeit without success. Subsequently, she aligned herself with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ) political party in May 2018, as reported by the local media in Lahore.
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Shahnaz Laghari Talks About the Challenges She Faces as a Hijabi Pilot
In a candid interview, Dr. Laghari graciously credited Allah for granting women the freedom to pursue their aspirations without any constraints. Reflecting on her experience with the Hijab, she candidly discussed the challenges she faced and the reactions of those around her. When questioned about external obstacles, she acknowledged encountering resistance.
Dr. Laghari recounted the strong opposition she faced from peers who advocated the notion that “Hijabi women” should confine themselves to domestic spheres and refrain from bringing their Hijab to the workplace. Despite the opposition, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities extended to her and remained resolute, never allowing detractors to undermine her determination.
Becoming the first pilot has created a place for Dr. Laghari in the Guinness World Records Book for being the only hijabi-wearing pilot in the world.
Women, in general, aspiring to become pilots often encounter a range of challenges from society in countries such as Pakistan. To add to that becoming a veil-wearing pilot adds another significant obstacle where the prevailing societal stereotypes and biases the compatibility of hijab-wearing women with professions demanding a high degree of visibility and responsibility.
The aviation industry is historically dominated by male figures and fosters an environment where preconceived notions about gender roles hinder the acceptance and progress of women, especially those who choose to wear veils. This bias may manifest in subtle or overt forms of discrimination, creating additional hurdles for women striving to break into the male-dominated field of aviation.
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Navigating Workplace Prejudices
In addition to external perceptions, women in veils pursuing remarkable professions, including aviation, often grapple with workplace prejudices. Colleagues or superiors may hold misconceptions about their abilities, questioning their competence based on appearance rather than skills and qualifications. The pressure to conform to established norms within the industry can create a challenging work environment, where women in veils may need to constantly prove their capabilities. Overcoming these prejudices requires not only individual resilience but also concerted efforts from the industry to foster an environment where talent and competence supersede outward appearances. Despite these challenges, the determination and achievements of individuals like Dr. Shahnaz Laghari serve as inspirational milestones, gradually contributing to breaking down barriers for women in veils pursuing remarkable professional careers.