Women in shipping industry have historically faced significant barriers, but their growing presence is reshaping the sector and driving change toward greater gender equality.”. The global shipping industry is a cornerstone of the world economy, accounting for around 90% of global trade. However, it has historically been dominated by men, with women occupying only a small percentage of roles at sea and in maritime businesses.
As of 2024, women represent just 1% of the global seafaring workforce, a figure that has seen a 45.8% increase since 2015, according to the BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report. While this marks progress, the maritime industry remains predominantly male-dominated, with women accounting for approximately 19% of the total maritime workforce, as reported by the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024.
Despite these advancements, women continue to face significant barriers, including gender discrimination, lack of mentorship, and limited access to leadership roles, particularly at sea. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts to promote gender equality, enhance training opportunities, and implement policies that support the inclusion and advancement of women in the maritime sector.
Empowerment of Women in Shipping Industry
1. The Changing Landscape of Gender Equality
Efforts to promote gender equality in the maritime industry have gained significant momentum in recent years. According to the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024, women account for just under 19% of the total maritime workforce, with 176,820 women employed in the sector . While this is a positive trend, it highlights the ongoing need for targeted initiatives to enhance female representation, especially in leadership roles.
2. The Role of Women Leaders in Shipping
Women in leadership roles, such as Captain Carla C. Vasquez, exemplify how mentorship and role models are vital for encouraging more women to pursue maritime careers. The GECAMET study found that women leaders in shipping often provide inspirational leadership and serve as role models for others to follow. Many of these leaders have faced considerable challenges but have persevered due to their strong sense of purpose and determination to succeed.
Latest Statistics on Women in Shipping Industry
According to the most recent data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), women in seafaring roles account for approximately 1.2% of the global maritime workforce. While this is a small proportion, it has been steadily increasing over the last few decades. The proportion of women holding senior positions is still lower, but this is changing as more women break through barriers in both seafaring and shore-based positions.
Recent studies also highlight the increase in women taking leadership roles within maritime organizations and companies. For example, WISTA International, a network that supports women in shipping and maritime industries, has seen a growing number of members taking on key leadership positions in maritime companies worldwide. Moreover, Scandinavian countries have taken the lead in ensuring gender equality in shipping, with women constituting around 15-20% of the maritime workforce in these regions, which is significantly higher than the global average.
Challenges: Women in Shipping Industry
Despite the improvements, women in shipping face significant challenges that hinder their full participation and advancement in the field. These challenges include but are not limited to:
1. Work-Life Balance
For women with families, the shipping industry poses significant challenges in terms of work-life balance. Extended time away from home, long hours, and a lack of family-friendly policies make it difficult for many women to maintain a career in seafaring while balancing family responsibilities. This issue is further complicated for women who are mothers, as maritime companies often do not provide sufficient support systems for women working on board ships. Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are still scarce across the global shipping industry.
2. Gender Bias and Discrimination
Despite the growing focus on gender equality, gender bias and discrimination remain significant barriers for women. In the interviews conducted during the GECAMET research, women reported facing gender stereotypes that questioned their ability to perform on par with their male colleagues. Many women have to prove their worth continuously in the workplace, often facing the pressure to outperform their male counterparts to earn the same recognition and respect.
3. Sexual Harassment
A disturbing issue that continues to plague women in maritime careers is sexual harassment. Women working aboard ships often encounter inappropriate behavior from male colleagues. While the industry’s efforts to tackle this problem are ongoing, many women still feel reluctant to report such incidents, fearing retaliation or harm to their careers.
How to Empower Women in Shipping Industry
1. Education and Training
The GECAMET study emphasized the need for gender-sensitive training programs. Women interested in maritime careers should have access to the same educational and training opportunities as their male counterparts. Maritime educational institutions should actively recruit women and offer mentorship programs, which have proven successful in helping women succeed in seafaring careers.
Additionally, organizations and maritime companies must provide ongoing training and leadership development programs to prepare women for managerial positions. Promoting women in leadership roles within shipping companies will help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture, where gender equality is normalized.
2. Policy Changes and Support Systems
Shipping companies should adopt more progressive policies to support women in the workforce. These include equal pay for equal work, better maternity and paternity leave policies, and a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination and harassment. Policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours or the ability to work part-time, can help retain more women in the industry.
Additionally, companies can provide onboard childcare facilities and offer women the option to work closer to home. With such initiatives, shipping companies can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for female employees.
The Benefits of Gender Diversity in Shipping
Gender diversity in the shipping industry offers numerous benefits, both for women and the companies they work for. These benefits include:
1. Enhanced Team Performance
Diverse teams are known to outperform homogeneous ones in problem-solving and decision-making. The presence of women in leadership roles and on mixed-gender crews has been linked to more efficient operations and higher levels of innovation in the maritime sector. Diversity encourages creative solutions to the challenges faced by the shipping industry, from increasing safety to improving environmental practices.
2. Economic and Operational Growth
The integration of women into the maritime workforce contributes to the industry’s growth. By tapping into a larger talent pool, shipping companies can address the shortage of skilled professionals in the industry. Companies with diverse teams have been shown to be more adaptable to changing market conditions and more resilient in the face of economic challenges.
3. Creating a More Inclusive Workplace
Promoting gender equality in the shipping industry not only benefits women but also improves the overall workplace culture. An inclusive environment leads to better morale, less turnover, and higher employee satisfaction. A diverse workforce in maritime companies can also better reflect the global nature of the industry, where international collaboration is key.
Ensuring Safety and Empowering Women in Shipping Industry
Women in shipping industry (or in other industries) need a safe and supportive environment to thrive. Companies must implement strict anti-harassment policies and ensure all workers can report incidents without fear of retaliation. Regular training on safety, gender equality, and inclusion is vital. Mentorship programs are also crucial for encouraging women to pursue leadership roles.
Offering flexible work options and family-friendly policies will help women balance work and life commitments. Finally, celebrating women leaders and role models within the industry can inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Women should be paired with mentors who can guide them as they advance in their careers. Networking events can also provide opportunities for women to share experiences and learn from one another. These steps will empower women, increase their participation, and drive a more inclusive maritime workforce.
Conclusion
The role of women in shipping industry is evolving. While the sector has made significant progress in terms of empowering women, the journey is far from complete. More needs to be done to create a truly inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute to the continued success and sustainability of the shipping industry. Through education, mentorship, supportive policies, and the tireless efforts of women leaders, the shipping industry can become a beacon for gender equality and empowerment.
By continuing to break down barriers, embrace diversity, and empower women at all levels, the shipping industry will not only improve gender equality but will also be more efficient, innovative, and successful in navigating the challenges of the future.
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