top of page

Why There's Limited Room for Women and Ambition in Male-Dominated Industry!

2025-01-22

I know for some of us, not just men but also some women think that this title is too provocative… But, is it really so?


I spent almost 19 years in the Aerospace & Defense industry, an industry dominated by males colleagues. Take a look at any of the pictures from all the big air shows; signature ceremonies; try to count the women leaders represented in those images?!?. During these years;  I’ve learned that the biggest challenge isn’t just breaking through the glass ceiling—it’s the constant pressure to “stay small” once you’re inside. I know that those who made it “inside” know exactly what I mean… 


Ambition is a "negative” word for this industry; used specifically for women who try their best. There is resistance and suspicion towards those women. Because you are expected to be NORMAL.  Competent but not too bold. Driven but not too outspoken. Assertive but not too much. The seat you worked so hard to get at the table may no longer exist if you shake the table too much. 


But ambition in men is celebrated—it’s expected; it is NORMAL. 


How many of us felt as if we are not in the room during meetings; project reviews; customer visits or simple conversations; when male colleagues ignore us during their converstaions or when we try to articulate our ideas confidently; how many times have we felt interrupted, our ideas dismissed; or faced with raised eyebrows. 


But I know that: there’s nothing wrong with wanting more. More growth. More recognition. More impact. Women have every right to aim high—and not apologize for it.


For our industries to grow; for our countries to be developed; for our world to be better; they don’t need us to shrink. They need us to expand. To lead, innovate, and challenge the status quo. Because when women bring their full ambition to the table, we don’t just change the conversation—we change the game.


If you’re a woman in a male-dominated space, dont forget: your ambition isn’t the problem. The system is. And the more of us who refuse to dim our light, the brighter the path becomes for others to follow.


Let’s keep pushing boundaries and making room—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of women leaders.

bottom of page