Japan Airlines (JAL) has appointed its first female president, a significant milestone in a country battling with a significant gender disparity in the workplace, CNN reported.

Mitsuko Tottori, a seasoned executive who rose from cabin attendant to president of JAL after joining in 1985, will take over on April 1, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

This decision comes as Japanese corporations face increasing pressure to improve gender diversity and close a gender pay gap that exceeds that of other Group of Seven countries.

“There are female employees out there who are struggling with their career paths or going through significant life events,” Tottori said at a news conference. “I hope my appointment as president will encourage.