SHE_SEES Initiative Highlights Women’s Contributions in Maritime History

The Rewriting Women into Maritime History project, launched by Lloyd’s Register Foundation in 2023, aims to highlight the contributions of women in the maritime workforce. Partnering with Nautilus International, the project utilizes oral histories and archival materials to showcase maritime women’s stories through the SHE_SEES exhibition. Featuring visuals, art, and storytelling, SHE_SEES debuted at the International Maritime Organization during London International Shipping Week 2023 and is currently on tour, with a residency at Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard until August 2025.

The exhibition includes stories of pioneering women like Linda Forbes, Marion Pettigrew, and Rose King, who shared their experiences working onboard ships in the 1970s. By emphasizing the expertise and leadership of women in the maritime sector, the program aims to challenge the industry’s predominantly masculine narrative and encourage more women to pursue careers in maritime. With women currently accounting for 29% of the industry workforce and only 2% of seafarers in the crewing workforce, initiatives like Rewriting Women play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Looking to expand its impact internationally, Rewriting Women and the SHE_SEES exhibition will capture stories of maritime women from nine countries over the next three years, starting with Greece, India, and Australia in 2025. The initiative also includes a contemporary component led by portrait photographer Emilie Sandy, encouraging more women to share their stories through participatory photography. Additionally, Lloyd’s Register Foundation aims to create a research hub where stories of past and present women in maritime can be shared and accessed, promoting a citizen science approach to gather and showcase information on women in the industry.

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