Padmesh Prabhune –
The Maritime Union of India (MUI), one of the largest unions working towards the cause of Merchant Navy officers and ensuring fairness of work and wage conditions, in commemorating the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, recently organized a full day seminar on ‘Safe Horizons : Women Shaping The Future Of Maritime Safety,’ deliberating upon gender equality and equity in its endeavor for promoting more women to pursue maritime careers, as otherwise considered historically to be a male-dominated profession.
The event began with traditional lighting of Diyas at the hands of Chief Guest Shri
Capt Maneesh Kumar, Dy Director DGS; Mrs. H.K Joshi, Former CMD, SCI,
Capt Tushar Pradhan, General Secretary of Maritime Union of India, Mr Deepak Shetty, Former Secretary to the Government of India and Director General of Shipping, Sr Advisor, Head Operations, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network; and Ms Saleha Shaikh Founder, Head Coordinator MUI – Women’s Wing.
Welcoming everyone at the seminar Ms Shaikh said, “MUI Women’s Wing was set up in 2017 to address the issue of seafarers women and families, and it has now successfully completed seven years now.” She further informed, “SASH (sexual abuse and harassment) has been one of the major challenges, that has now reduced with growing number of women professionals and it’s high time we create greater awareness about merchant navy among the public at large.”
Acknowledging the presence of women achievers at the event, Capt Tushar Pradhan, said, “It’s indeed a pleasure to have all eminent personalities, the who’s-who of the maritime industry, sharing the dais adding value to to-days’ event. MUI has and will always standby with seafarers.”
He further added, “MUI has always stood for welfare and rights of its members. We extend our support to the women force on board and / or ashore.”
Capt Maneesh Kumar shared the governments’ perspectives and initiatives aimed at ensuring higher women participation in maritime industry; be it awareness, incentivization, and promoting gender sensitization. He also highlighted the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ initiatives.
While Mr Deepak Shetty mentioned the need to have a tangible set of deliverables and create an ecosystem for developing and nurturing change, Mrs H K Joshi vouched for the budding talent.
The conference was equally categorized with interactive sessions and discussions for well being and nurturing women in maritime for all round betterment. The evening also witnessed some lighter moments and the awards to prominently successful personalities.
Marex Media