Empowering Women Seafarers: Insights from Maritime SheEO Conference

Captain Daniel Joseph, from the Directorate General of Shipping in India, spoke at the MaritimeSheEO Conference in Mumbai to showcase the efforts made to support women seafarers. The Sagar Mein Samman initiative was introduced to ensure the welfare and protection of women working at sea, who play a vital role in global trade. Guidelines were established in September 2019, with an emphasis on gender sensitivity training for cadets in the maritime industry in January 2023.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has developed gender sensitization materials, including brochures, to promote gender equality among students. The Sagar Mein Samman initiative, launched during the Global Maritime India Summit 2023, focuses on recognition, respect, wellbeing, mental health, and safety for female seafarers. Since its inception, efforts have been made to develop a comprehensive policy framework in consultation with stakeholders.

A Women Task Force was launched in November 2024, with the participation of women seafarers and volunteers to develop a policy document with the support of the Maritime Union of India. Various maritime women’s associations are collaborating to create a unified platform for women in maritime. Industry leaders, such as leading seafarers recruiting companies and progressive institutions, are also supporting the initiative. Captain Joseph emphasized the importance of collective efforts to honor and empower women seafarers, urging the maritime community to advocate for the Sagar Mein Samman initiative.

Source