Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ initiative on Sunday, aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the maritime sector. Unveiled during the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime, the initiative emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability within the industry. Sonowal highlighted the importance of celebrating women’s roles through recruitment and retention, aligning with this year’s International Maritime Organisation theme: “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women.”
The Sagar Mein Samman policy framework focuses on empowerment, leadership, and skill development while addressing gender-based barriers. The minister set an ambitious target of achieving 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030. He noted a remarkable increase in the number of women seafarers in India, rising from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024, alongside a significant uptick in financial assistance applications from women seeking careers in the sector.
Sonowal emphasized that empowering women in maritime is crucial not only for equity but also for fostering innovation and sustainability. The initiative aligns with the Government’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion objectives, aiming to create a structured roadmap for women’s involvement in maritime operations, from docks to decision-making roles. This commitment supports the International Maritime Organisation’s mission for gender inclusion and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
