Women in Maritime: Challenges and Opportunities
As I sit down to write this article on International Women's Day, I cannot help but reflect on the challenges women face in the maritime industry. The fact that only two percent of the workforce in this field are women is a stark reminder of the significant barriers women face in entering and advancing in this traditionally male-dominated industry.
The reasons for this gender gap are complex and multifaceted. One of the contributing factors is the need for more visibility of women in different maritime industry sectors. According to a survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO), 90 percent of the two percent of women working in the maritime industry are employed in the cruise sector. This may be because cruise ships are more visible to the general population, and people may be more aware of employment opportunities in this sector. On the other hand, merchant vessels, which make up a significant portion of the maritime industry, have fewer women on board, and in some cases, none.
Another factor that contributes to the gender gap in maritime is the issue of harassment and discrimination. The close-knit working environment on board ships, especially merchant vessels with smaller crews, may make it harder for women to report incidents of harassment or discrimination. This can create a hostile work environment and deter women from pursuing careers in the maritime industry. Additionally, the perception of the maritime industry as a male-dominated field may discourage women from considering it a viable career option.
Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to promote diversity and inclusivity in the maritime industry. One such initiative is the 40 by 30 pledge launched by the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) in Norway. The pledge encourages companies to actively promote diversity by striving towards having 40 percent of women in leading positions by 2030. Companies that signed the pledge attended a workshop to identify barriers for women to enter and retain leading positions and how they might be overcome. This shows an emphasis on actively working towards this goal and embedding it in the company's processes.
Moreover, the maritime industry is vast and includes various sectors such as shipping, logistics, finance, and HR. Women can explore opportunities in these different sectors, not just limited to working on ships. Companies in the maritime industry increasingly recognize the value of diversity and inclusivity in their workforce, and there is a growing demand for women professionals in this field. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and talents that can contribute to the efficiency and efficacy of the maritime industry.
There is also growing awareness and advocacy for gender equality in the maritime industry at the national and international levels. Organizations such as WISTA and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are working towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector through various initiatives, including awareness campaigns, advocacy for policy changes, and supporting organizations that promote diversity and inclusivity.
One organization that is doing great work in this area is Women Offshore. The Women Offshore Foundation propels women+ into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision-makers about issues affecting women on the water. They have created a wonderfully supportive community for underrepresented genders and orientations that work on the water to combat harassment and to provide guidance and mentorship for those entering and making their way in the industry.
Another organization that is close to my heart is Captains Without Borders. They are working to help cadets complete their deck and engine studies to obtain unlimited tonnage licenses and start their careers at sea. They partner with maritime shipping companies and crewing agents interested in placing their cadets on their vessels to complete their sea time, closing the seafarer shortage, and decreasing the gender gap one cadet at a time while sharing awareness and role models for the future.
Women account for only 29% of the overall workforce in the general industry; IMO-WISTA "Women in Maritime" survey highlights current gender diversity across the sector and sets a benchmark for progress IMO – WISTA Women in Maritime Survey Results
WISTA Norway launched the '40 by 30' pledge to allow companies to show that they are actively committed to promoting diversity in the maritime industry. Most notably are striving towards increasing the share of women in leading positions in your company to 40% within 2030 as one of your diversity measures. Companies that signed the pledge attended a workshop to identify barriers for women to enter and retain leading positions and how they might be overcome. The suggested action items are as follows:
Set goals and measure them:
Employ relevant diversity index tools such as the She Index.
Set KPIs related to inclusivity and diversity.
Measure the composition of your organization and the levels of inclusivity your team members feel. 40 by 30 is the goal - so what is your current score?
Communicate and reach out.
Promote inspiring role models.
Highlight the possibilities that your company offers through career paths and examples.
Policies and culture
Ensure balanced interview panels.
Ensure that you operate alongside your values. Don't participate in non-inclusive events.
Create policies and training on inclusiveness and belonging to work on a culture shift.
The full report and additional information on how your company can sign the pledge are located here
In connection with 40by30 and barriers faced by many is the work I am doing with Captians without Borders:
Even while the ICS/Bimco is reporting a shortfall of 96,000 seafarers expected by 2026, With only a 2% representation of female seafarers today, Some cadets are left standing on the shore - never given a chance at their dreams.
Our mission is to help cadets to complete their deck and engine studies to obtain unlimited tonnage licenses and start their careers at sea.
We partner with maritime shipping companies and crewing agents interested in placing our cadets on their vessels to complete their sea time, closing the seafarer shortage, and decreasing the gender gap one cadet at a time while sharing awareness and role models for the future.
It is a USA Baised 501c3 charitable foundation.
And another Foundation that is near and dear to me for women in maritime is Women Offshore.
The Women Offshore Foundation propels women+ into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision-makers about issues affecting women on the water. I have been involved with them for years. They have created a wonderfully supportive community for underrepresented genders and orientations that work on the water to combat harassment and provide guidance and mentorship for those entering and making their way in the industry.
