Women Seafarers in Shipping 2024

Women make up only an estimated 2% of the world’s maritime workforce, with women seafarers mainly working in the cruise and ferries sector, often for Flags of Convenience (FOC) vessels, which are among the worst paid and least protected jobs at sea. Some of the challenges and pain points faced by women seafarers include:

1. Discrimination: Women can face discrimination even when trying to enter seafaring work, as some maritime education and training institutions may not recruit women to nautical courses1.
2. Lower pay: Women may be paid less than their male counterparts, even when doing work equivalent to that of male seafarers.
3. Lack of facilities and equipment: Women may be denied access to facilities or equipment available to male workers, which is a form of discrimination.
4. Difficulty in succeeding professionally at sea: Women may face prejudice from ship owners who won’t employ them, and they may have limited access to training or tasks onboard.
5. Challenging social relations onboard: Women may face challenges in maintaining social relations with their male colleagues.
6. Employment challenges at sea: Women may face difficulties in finding employment opportunities at sea.
7. Physical conditions onboard: Women may face challenges related to the physical conditions onboard, such as lack of privacy or inadequate facilities.

Maritime unions are alert to these dangers and strive to protect the interests of women members. If you are a woman seafarer facing discrimination or harassment, it is recommended to contact your trade union for support and advice. 

The maritime industry needs female seafarers, and efforts are being made to encourage greater gender diversity in the industry

Some challenges faced by Women seafarers

Women seafarers face several challenges in the maritime industry, which is predominantly male-dominated. Some of the key challenges include:

1. Problem of acceptance: Women may face challenges in being accepted by their male colleagues and being considered as one of them.
2. Gathering courage to do difficult tasks: Women may be reluctant to perform certain tasks, such as working with cranes, due to fear or lack of encouragement from their colleagues.
3. Lack of female representation in leadership positions: Women make up only a small percentage of senior management roles in the maritime industry, which can limit their career progression and opportunities.
4. Lack of awareness and understanding of women’s issues: Many people still hold traditional views of the maritime industry, which can be a barrier for women seeking to enter the sector.
5. Difficulty in succeeding professionally at sea: Women may face challenges in being perceived as less competent than male coworkers and not having equal access to training or tasks onboard.
6. Challenging social relations onboard: Women may face difficulties in maintaining social relations with their male colleagues.
7. Employment challenges at sea: Women may face difficulties in finding employment opportunities at sea.
8. Physical conditions onboard: Women may face challenges related to the physical conditions onboard, such as lack of privacy or inadequate facilities.
9. Stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, and loneliness: Women seafarers may experience these issues due to the male-dominated environment and the challenges they face.
10. Sexual harassment at the workplace: Sexual harassment or intimidation can occur in various forms, and firm action needs to be taken to address this issue.

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to promote gender diversity in the maritime industry, raise awareness of women’s issues, and provide support and resources for women seafarers

Ways the maritime industry can better support Women Seafarers

The maritime industry can better support women seafarers by implementing the following measures:

1. Promote gender diversity: Encourage more women to enter the maritime industry by challenging stereotypes and raising awareness about the career opportunities available4.
2. Provide equal opportunities: Ensure that women have equal access to training, tasks, and leadership positions onboard ships.
3. Address discrimination: Eliminate discrimination against women in maritime education and training institutions, as well as in the workplace.
4. Improve facilities and equipment: Ensure that facilities and equipment onboard ships are designed to accommodate the needs of both male and female seafarers.
5. Address sexual harassment: Implement strict policies and procedures to prevent and address sexual harassment and intimidation in the workplace.
6. Provide support and resources: Develop welfare support systems that cater to the specific needs of women seafarers, such as mental health support and access to female-friendly facilities.
7. Encourage mentorship and role models: Establish mentorship programs and provide opportunities for women seafarers to learn from and be inspired by successful female professionals in the industry.
8. Organize workshops and training: Regularly organize workshops, seminars, and training programs to promote gender sensitization and awareness in the maritime industry.
9. Advocate for change: Encourage women seafarers to speak out against discrimination and harassment, and support them in their efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable maritime industry.

By implementing these measures, the maritime industry can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women seafarers, which will not only benefit individual seafarers but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the industry.

Women seafarers play a crucial role in the maritime industry, contributing to various roles on ships and in maritime operations. Over the years, the maritime sector has seen a gradual increase in the number of women entering the profession, breaking gender stereotypes and challenging traditionally male-dominated environments.

Women seafarers can be found in different roles, including but not limited to deck officers, engineers, navigators, and catering staff. They work on various types of vessels, such as cargo ships, cruise liners, and research vessels. Their presence in the maritime workforce brings diversity and a valuable range of skills to the industry.

Despite the progress made, challenges still exist for women in the seafaring profession. Gender stereotypes, limited opportunities for career advancement, and concerns about personal safety on board are among the issues that need continued attention.

Organizations and initiatives supporting gender equality in the maritime industry are working towards addressing these challenges and promoting an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Efforts are being made to enhance awareness about the opportunities available for women in seafaring, encourage more women to pursue maritime careers, and provide support for their professional development.

As the industry evolves, it is important to foster an environment that recognizes and values the contributions of women seafarers, ensuring equal opportunities and a safe working environment for all.

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