Afghan airlines at risk of collapse, taking women's jobs with them

Airlines are struggling globally, but the loss of Afghanistan's aviation sector would have extra collateral damage, destroying one of the few bright spots for female employment at a time when the conservative society is also facing the possibility of a return of the Taliban to a role in government. Things have improved for women in Afghanistan since the Taliban, who banned female education and women from leaving home without a male relative, were in driven from power in 2001, particularly in urban areas. A new generation of women has emerged with university degrees and jobs in a range of fields including business and politics. Airlines have welcomed women in various roles. About 30% of the 580 employees at national carrier Ariana are female while Kam Air employs 106 women, 46 of them flight attendants, as well as pilots and managers. "Kam Air has always tried to have more female employees," said Suliman Omar, its commercial officer. "Our criterion is the education and talent of our employees, not gender." But with most flights grounded because of the coronavirus, Kam Air has asked 80% of its staff to stay home without pay as it suffers the loss of $6.5m in revenue every week. "We're facing the very serious threat of collapse," Omar said.<br/>