Why we need more gender diversity
International Women’s Day on 8 March is the ideal opportunity to debate gender diversity in the maritime sector as we launch the new IMarEST Explores series.
Women are still hugely under-represented in maritime. They represent, for example, just 2% of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers; with 94% of them in the cruise industry [IMO]. Onshore, they hold 55% of global maritime junior-level positions, compared with 9% of executive-level roles. [Unctad Maritime Report 2017]
Commercial benefits
Yet there are well-documented benefits of balancing diversity in the workplace. Multiple studies and publications highlight the commercial positives of a diverse workforce, from attracting and retaining staff, to improving productivity, decision-making and profitability.
Women of all ages and abilities want to be a part of the maritime sector and shape its future, but they can find they are limited.
While things have been changing for the better, and that is something to truly celebrate, diversity is an important initiative for the IMarEST. We acknowledge that women – and other minorities, let’s not forget – can still face significant challenges in the workplace.
Inspiring the next generation
We want to be able to make a difference globally to the role of women and the oceans, and deliver programmes that inspire the next generation, support students, and develop early career professionals so that the sector can attract, develop, and retain talent.
It’s why the IMarEST is proud to launch its new IMarEST Explores series by focusing on such an important topic.
Outstanding role models
IMarEST Explores: Gender Diversity in the Marine Industry brings together a panel of experts from across the world.
The event features some truly outstanding female role models, including Reshma Nilofer Naha, India’s first ever Marine Pilot, who has broken through the glass ceiling in what’s normally considered a ‘man’s role’; and Captain Cass Ryan, who has risen to the higher ranks of the Royal Australian Navy. Read our full interview with Captain Ryan.
They, and the rest of the panel, will share their thoughts, and their experiences – offering delegates a chance not only to ask questions in the interactive Q&A, but also to engage in more in-depth discussion in a virtual networking session afterwards.
The event is chaired by Dr Bev Mackenzie, pictured, a passionate advocate of equality and diversity. She is a representative to IMO in London and Manager Marine Environment, BIMCO (UK).
Panel speakers are drawn from across the world, including Australia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore: Arduni Mastura Abu Bakar, Corporate Environment Manager, Bumi Armada; Angela Gillham, Deputy CEO, Maritime Industry Australia Ltd; Roxanne Lek, Business Analyst, Fugro; Capt. Reshma Nilofer Naha, Marine Pilot, Kolkata Port Trust; Capt. Cassandra Ryan, Director Training Authority-Engineering, Royal Australian Navy.
It promises to be an enlightening event.
Find out more, get involved, and have your say
IMarEST Explores: Gender Diversity in the Marine Industry will be hosted on 8 March 2021. Join us live to feed directly into these discussions. A recording of the event will also be shared on the IMarEST YouTube channel from April. Register here.
The Women’s Network: The Nexus discussion group for the Women’s Network is the ideal place to share and openly discuss the challenges women face. Nexus discussions help us shape the agenda and really get to the heart of the issues that matter. It is open to all – not just women.
Members can also join a mailing list for the Women’s Network to receive relevant news and updates. To join, members can log in to the MyIMarEST member portal, click on My Special Interest Groups and tick the box.
International Women’s Day: This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge which encourages taking action to help create a gender equal world, one in which women’s achievement is celebrated, bias is recognised – and challenged.
Caitriona Hanly is Technical Manager, the IMarEST.