In a field that was once a fortress of men, women are rewriting the rules of 21st-century industry. 
Christine Eiman didn’t just step into Namibia’s air traffic control; she stormed it, becoming the second woman to command the skies, and paving the way for a generation.
Employed by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Eiman became the second woman to join air traffic control in Namibia, with 30 years’ experience as an Air Traffic Control Manager serving Windhoek’s aviation station.
Growing up in the small town of Rehoboth, Eiman said aviation was never a considered career. In her community, the idea of becoming a pilot or an air traffic controller was almost unheard of, especially for women. However, “unknowingly, fate had other plans for me.”
“I discovered the opportunity through my sister, who worked as an admin clerk at the airport,” she recalled. “This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of my career.”
Even though entering the industry was challenging and discouraging, as it was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Christine took a leap of faith, determined to carve out a space for herself. Joining aviation in 1995, she found herself the second woman among a classroom of men. The odds were stacked against her, but she was determined to prove that women had a rightful place in aviation. “Despite being one of the few women in my class, I was determined to succeed and prove that women can excel in this role,” she shared.
Today, almost 40% of Namibia’s air traffic controllers are women. This, according to Christine, is a testament to the progress made since she first entered the industry.
Succeeding in aviation came with sacrifices, making Christine’s journey far from easy. With little female representation and a workplace culture shaped by decades of male dominance, she frequently felt compelled to demonstrate her capabilities beyond what was expected of her male counterparts.
“I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously,” she said. “There was an unspoken expectation that women wouldn’t perform as well as men, and I was determined to hange that perception.”
Instead of letting these challenges deter her, she used them as motivation. By immersing herself in her training and seeking mentorship from supportive colleagues, she built relationships with other women in aviation.
“Finding a network of women who understood my struggles was crucial,” she stated. “Knowing that others had faced and overcome similar challenges gave me the strength to push forward.”
She took an active role in addressing gender biases. By consistently demonstrating excellence in her work, she challenged outdated stereotypes and helped pave the way for more women to enter the field.
“I confront biases by demonstrating my competence and professionalism in my work. I also engage in conversations about gender diversity and inclusion, helping to educate my peers about the capabilities of women in air traffic control.”
“I don’t just talk about gender diversity, I live it,” she explained. “When people see a woman confidently handling air traffic control duties, they start to rethink their assumptions,” she said, emphasizing the importance of directly challenging unfounded stereotypes.
Despite the obstacles she faced, Christine shared that she has never lost her passion for aviation. One of her proudest moments was completing the rigorous Air Traffic Control training program and becoming a certified air traffic controller.
“One of my proudest achievements was passing the rigorous Air Traffic Control training program and becoming a certified air traffic controller,” she shared. “It was a validation of all the hard work I had put in. It proved to me and to others that women can succeed in this industry.”
With 30 years’ experience as Air Traffic Control Manager, Christine is focused on ensuring that young women know they, too, can pursue careers in aviation. She actively shares her story, hoping to inspire the next generation to break barriers and challenge traditional norms.
“My advice to young girls is simple: don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because of your gender,” she says. “Find mentors, build a strong support system, and believe in yourself. Your perspective is valuable, and the industry needs more women like you.”