The Problems Facing Women Seafarers
The total percentage of female seafarers working in the maritime industry is just 2%
according to figures released by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This
equates to approximately 24,000 women seafarers out of a total global workforce of
1.89 million.
Statistics such as this really underline that diversity in the maritime industry remains a
major problem. So what are the reasons behind this and what is The Mission to
Seafarers doing to encourage more female seafarers into the profession?
Facilities, Equipment and Training
Female seafarers are also likely to work on a vessel which has failed to make
allowances for women seafarers.
This is according to Sanjam Gupta, who is a member of the Women’s International
Shipping& Trading Association (WISTA), as well as being a trustee of The Mission to
Seafarers in India. Ms. Gupta notes that many maritime vessels lack basic facilities
such as sanitary bins and also fail to make provisions for PPE and safety equipment
which is suitable for women seafarers