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Qatar Airways Boss Apologizes For Saying Woman Can't Do Job

Qatar Airways Boss Apologizes For Saying a Woman Couldn't Do His Job

He'd only just become the newly-elected Chairman of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s Board of Governors but Qatar Airways GCEO, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, did not impress with his comments this week.

He's reported to have responded, "Of course it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position," when asked if a woman could do his job, at the annual conference in Sydney, Australia. The conversation on Tuesday centered around the lack of gender diversity in the industry when it comes to the Middle East. Even on the IATA board, only six of the 280 airline members have female chief executives.

Now, after a negative response, the airline boss has changed his tune.

"No, I don't believe that. As a matter of fact, [at] Air Italy the majority shareholder has shortlisted women to be the CEO and as a minority shareholder, we are actively encouraging that," he reportedly said on Wednesday.

Qatar Airways also issued a statement where he retracted his views.

"I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offense caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group and has been sensationalized by the media," it reads. "Women comprise almost half (44 percent) of our workforce, and the dedication, drive and skill they bring to their jobs tells me that no role is too tough for them, at all levels of the organization.

"Qatar Airways firmly believes in gender equality in the workplace and our airline has been a pioneer in our region in this regard, as the first airline to employ female pilots, as one of the first to train and employ female engineers, and with females represented through to senior vice-president positions within the airline reporting directly to me."

But followers are not impressed. Some of them believe he needs to step down from the position while others questioned his blame on the media. See what they had to say below.

Image Source: Twitter user qatarairways
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