Sexual harassment is prevalent in Fiji’s maritime industry, presenting a significant challenge for the increasing number of women entering the seafaring workforce, according to Stephie Dunn from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. During the World Seafarers Day event at the School of Maritime, Dunn highlighted the troubling pattern of unwanted advances, crude jokes, and physical assaults that women face on ships.
The maritime sector, traditionally male-dominated, is witnessing a rise in female participation at various levels, from trainees to leadership roles. However, this shift has unveiled serious issues regarding workplace safety. Dunn emphasized the unique difficulties women encounter, noting that they often cannot report incidents until the ship docks, complicating legal recourse due to international waters.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has called for immediate reforms to enhance safety for women at sea. This includes establishing clear policies, holding offenders accountable, and providing better support for survivors. As more women consider careers in maritime, the industry must address its cultural issues to retain valuable talent and ensure a safer working environment.
