Empowering Women in Maritime: A Global Push for Inclusion

Introduction

The maritime industry is transforming, with increasing efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity. A recent seminar organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, spotlighted the urgent need to support women in seafaring roles.

The Seminar: “Training Women to Rise”

Held alongside the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, the seminar “Training Women to Rise: Navigating the Future of the Maritime Industry” brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for mainstreaming gender equality in maritime careers.

Key Highlights:

• Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster emphasized coordinated industry-wide efforts.
• Women currently represent only 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce.
• Over 490 female cadets have received scholarships from the Norwegian Training Center since 1993.

Industry Voices and Best Practices

Leaders from top maritime organizations shared insights:

• Mailyn Borillo, President of OSM Thome Philippines, stressed the importance of mentorship.
• Daryl Sevilleno, President of Solstad Management Philippines Inc., advocated for awareness campaigns targeting young women.
• Capt. Knut Bentzrod, COO of the Norwegian Training Center, highlighted the role of training and safety policies.

Global Trends Supporting Women in Maritime

Efforts to promote women in maritime are not isolated. A report by the World Maritime University, featured on Maritime Hub, proposes a target of 25% women seafarers by 2050 through:

• Awareness campaigns encouraging STEM education.
• Gender equality policies across maritime institutions.
• Targeted scholarships and development programs.

Celebrating Women’s Contributions

The SHE_SEES Exhibition showcases the stories of trailblazing women in maritime history and aims to inspire future generations. With only 2% of seafarers being women, these exhibitions are crucial in changing perceptions.

Internal Links for Further Reading

• Innovative Solutions to Seafarer Shortages
• Women in Maritime Exhibition Comes to Portsmouth
• Seafarers Recognized as Key Workers
• EU ETS and Maritime Shipping

Conclusion

The maritime sector is at a pivotal moment. With global initiatives, industry leadership, and educational support, the path toward a more inclusive and diverse workforce is clearer than ever. As more women rise through the ranks, the industry stands to benefit from a broader range of talent, perspectives, and innovation.