Challenges for women seafarers

Despite only making up only 2% of the global seafaring industry, women are advancing up the Caribbean maritime career ladder into senior positions, according to Claudia Grant of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ). As the global shipping community geared up to celebrate the first International Day for Women in Maritime, Grant, deputy director general of MAJ, said the industry is changing for the better and urged more companies to put in place gender integration policies to smooth the path for future generations. (Source: Work Boat 05/19/22) Women are climbing the maritime career ladder, Caribbean port official says | WorkBoat

In a sidebar story, Mission to Seafarers published a report - “Beyond the 2%, Women Seafarers and their Lives at Sea: Reflecting on Our Call to Care” - intended to act as a discussion document for maritime welfare providers. Women face unique challenges at sea, and it's tailored its support to contribute towards a better future for female seafarers. But despite many initiatives, women are still under-represented in the industry making up 2% of the world’s estimated 1.2M seafarers. More needs to be done to attract and retain women in the industry. Working at sea present a range of challenges, but there are issues specific to women to adapt to the male dominated environment. The Mission aims to highlight some of the difficulties that women still encounter at sea in this report, including challenges specific to different vessels, such as cargo ships, cruise ships and superyachts. (Source: Work Boat 05/19/22) Report explores key challenges faced by women seafarers | WorkBoat