The Dual Burden of Air Hostesses in Nepal: Beyond the Glamour

In Nepal, the job of an air hostess is often presented as a symbol of prestige, success, empowerment, modernity, and freedom. This profession is expected to lead young women out of traditional cultural bonds and domestic chores towards a modern and world-class lifestyle. However, this portrayal does not fully reflect the reality of the profession.

In reality, the double burden faced by air hostesses working in Nepal's domestic airlines is significant. On one hand, they must meet strict professional rules and institutional expectations in their workplace, and on the other hand, they must also fulfill the traditional roles assigned by family and society. Therefore, the empowerment associated with this profession appears limited and largely illusory, contrary to how it is understood and presented externally.

The development of the aviation sector in Nepal is often seen as a sign of modernity and progress. This sector began to expand after the establishment of Gauchar Airport in 1949 and the launch of Royal Nepal Airlines in 1958. As domestic airports, both small and large, were constructed across the country, private airlines also started to be established. Consequently, the demand for cabin crew, or air hostesses, also increased. This also created a standard for women's modern identity in society.

For many young women in Nepal, becoming an air hostess is not just a job. It is understood as a means to achieve a successful and prosperous life, along with various freedoms.

In the early days, this profession was considered a strong example of women's empowerment. It was praised as a symbol of confidence, courage, mobility, and inspiration. Gradually, other dimensions such as glamour, financial independence, and social prestige were added to this image.

For many young women in Nepal, becoming an air hostess is not just a job. It is understood as a means to achieve a successful and prosperous life, along with various freedoms. Many air hostess training centers and institutes today advertise by showcasing such dreams (beauty, prosperity, success, and confidence).

However, the reality of this profession is different from just that. This profession molds women into specific forms, behaviors, and presentations. This means that the profession not only provides opportunities but also transforms women into a special type of labor.

Even though women's participation in education and employment has increased in Nepal, structural inequality still runs deep. In sectors like aviation and hospitality, women are often concentrated in roles where their appearance, nurturing nature, and emotional control are valued. Such roles, rather than challenging traditional gender expectations, reinforce them. The job of an air hostess is a clear example of this.

A key characteristic of this profession is beauty and emotional labor. Airlines specify certain physical standards even before hiring. For example—weight, facial structure, attire, and overall presentation. During work, they must always appear polite, patient, and calm. This means they must continue to serve with a smile, even if it means hiding their true feelings.

Most air hostesses work on a temporary or contract basis. Although their minimum salary is low, their earnings, including flight time and allowances, are quite good compared to other jobs.

These expectations are not natural or inherent. They are socially and institutionally constructed through long-term practice or interaction. Such prolonged emotional labor can lead to stress, fatigue, and various mental health problems.

In the context of Nepal, such problems are even more complex. The psychological and emotional support or counseling available to these employees is extremely weak. There is a significant gap between the slogans of airline companies and their reality. While there is a provision for rest if one is not fit to fly, the psychological fatigue caused by the work environment never gets a chance to heal.

Most air hostesses work on a temporary or contract basis. Although their minimum salary is low, their earnings, including flight time and allowances, are quite good compared to other jobs. However, a question arises: is that earning truly commensurate with the hard work? Little attention is paid to their mental health and long-term security. In such a situation, the promise of financial independence becomes temporary and uncertain.

Another major problem is the short career span. Due to reasons like age, marriage, and pregnancy, many of them decide to leave this profession. Due to uncertain flight schedules, it is not always possible to give adequate time to family and children. Similarly, implicitly, the expectations of family and society are that they should give as much time as possible to the family.

This indicates that the patriarchal mindset deeply rooted in our families and within airline companies is still alive. It can be inferred how the institutional thinking that a woman's labor is valued based on her youth and appearance invisibly persists even in modern companies. Instead of providing long-term career opportunities, this pushes women out of the profession early, leaving them with an insecure and uncertain future and limited skills.

Irregular and overtime work, night or late duty, and long journeys cause stress in family relationships.

Another major problem faced by air hostesses in Nepal is the double burden of daily work and domestic chores. They have to work according to strict rules and schedules, suppressing all their emotions. After returning home, they also have to take care of the family, manage household chores, and meet familial and social expectations. Such a double responsibility causes mental stress and fatigue.

This burden is exacerbated by the nature of their work. Irregular and overtime work, night or late duty, and long journeys cause stress in family relationships. Since the notion that women should prioritize family still prevails in Nepali society, their absence is viewed negatively at home. However, this is not the case or is acceptable for men.

Similarly, social perception is also a major challenge. Despite being a respectable profession, air hostesses are often judged based on their morality. Their interactions and time spent outside the home are viewed with suspicion. Because of this, they face pressure to prove their integrity both at work and at home. This forces them to constantly strive to appear excellent both at work and at home, which is enough to increase psychological stress.

Another significant problem is the commodification of their labor. Airlines do not hire individuals with things beyond their control, such as scars on their face, dental problems, short stature, or birthmarks. In fact, this profession is only for those who are excellent in both ability and appearance.

The labor of women, not just their labor, but also their image is made marketable in the service sector. This problem is also linked to the commercialization of institutions that provide air hostess training in Nepal. These institutions promise quick success and high income, leading many to invest time and money. However, in reality, they face stiff competition, limited opportunities, and an uncertain future.

Overall, the air hostess profession clearly shows the difference between apparent and real empowerment. While it may appear from the outside as a symbol of modernity, freedom, and progress, in practice, it re-establishes traditional gender norms in new ways.

Women are compelled to appear modern yet remain modest within the confines of old perceptions; they must be financially independent but also bear the entire responsibility of the family; and they must be professionally competent but control their emotions. This very paradox makes their daily lives difficult with a double burden.

Therefore, this profession in Nepal presents both opportunities and limitations. It offers income, prosperity, and self-reliance, but also imposes strict rules, surveillance, and insecurity. As a result, air hostesses fall into unnecessary psychological stress due to the mismatch between professional and domestic responsibilities.

However, they do not receive adequate psycho-social counseling and support. This problem is not limited to the aviation sector alone. It reflects the widespread gender inequality that exists in other professions in Nepali society as well.

To address this, it is necessary to implement women-friendly policies in the workplace, ensure labor security and stability. Furthermore, discussions and interactions aimed at changing societal mindsets are equally crucial. Until the deeply rooted traditional gender perceptions in society change, the dream of empowerment will remain incomplete, and many women will inevitably have to live carrying this double burden.

(Basnet, who worked as an air hostess for eight years, is a researcher in the MPhil-PhD program at the Central Department of Sociology, Tribhuvan University.)