24/7 Helpline for Female Seafarers Launched to Provide Support and Empowerment

International maritime charity Sailors’ Society has launched a dedicated helpline for female seafarers, providing them with emotional support, crisis assistance, and peer-to-peer connections. The helpline, which operates 24/7, allows female cadets and seafarers to speak in confidence to a female member of the Sailors’ Society team. This initiative comes in response to the underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry, with women seafarers making up only about 2% of the crewing workforce, primarily in the cruise sector.

Sailors’ Society’s CEO, Sara Baade, emphasized the importance of this new service, stating that it is a significant step forward in providing care and support for female cadets and seafarers. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by female seafarers, Baade highlighted the importance of offering a helpline where women can speak to someone who understands their experiences. The helpline is part of a broader effort to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women at sea.

The helpline is being funded by marine insurance provider, Skuld, whose president and CEO, Ståle Hansen, stressed the need for the industry to work together to increase gender equality and attract a diverse workforce. Hansen emphasized the importance of supporting female seafarers, who remain a significant minority in the maritime sector. By providing resources like the helpline, the industry aims to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all women working at sea.

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