Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is becoming increasingly important for both current and potential employees. Since 1988, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has made a concentrated effort to help the shipping industry progress and support women in achieving representation that is consistent with twenty-first century standards.
It begs the question of why gender parity and the inclusion of women in the marine sector are such hot topics. For a number of reasons, having a gender balance in the shipping industry—or any other workplace—is quite important; which are:
More robust industry: Economic growth is typically higher in nations where there is greater gender equality. Businesses with a higher percentage of female executives perform better. Thus, a more vibrant industry is a result of gender balance.
Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Gender equality is one of the primary goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Empowering women in the marine sector is consistent with SDG Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Enact more legislation: Women’s participation in peace agreements makes them more durable. Parliaments with more women pass legislation on vital social concerns like health, education, and anti-discrimination.
Attractiveness and Competitiveness: Gender balance has a favourable impact on competitiveness because a diversified workforce, including women, makes jobs in the industry more appealing.
Family-Friendly working practices: It is imperative to implement work practices that are family-friendly. Shorter contracts and family-friendly policies can be game-changers for seafarers, who frequently spend lengthy periods at sea.
Balanced Approach: A balanced approach to implementing human rights remedies and protections at sea is reflected in gender equality. Even though they make up a small percentage of the workforce, which is predominately male, women support equality and reform.
According to the BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report, women make up just 1.2% of all seafarers worldwide. With the report projecting 24,059 women serving as seafarers—a 45.8% increase over the 2015 data—it shows a good trend in gender balance.
However, a lot more needs to be done to achieve gender balance in the shipping industry, which is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic imperative for progress and sustainability.
We at Marex Media are highly committed to the IMO’s goal of gender equality in the maritime industry. To guarantee that the industry meets SDG Goal 5, we are pleased to announce the third edition of The ATPI-Marex Women in Maritime Conference & Awards 2024, which will take place on May 15, 2024, at the Hotel Taj Santacruz, and welcome you all, to actively engage in building a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more details:
https://shippingconferences.com/wp/registration-form/.
I echo the thoughts of Nellie Borrero, Managing Director, Senior Strategic Advisor – Global Inclusion & Diversity at Accenture: Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day. As leaders, we have to put out the message that we embrace and not just tolerate diversity.
Marex Media