Support for Female Seafarers at Sea gets Enhancement

Female seafarers are a small minority in the global maritime workforce, but there has been a significant 45% increase in women pursuing careers at sea in the past decade. Beyond the numbers, women in the maritime industry face challenges related to workplace culture, career advancement, and access to support systems. Recognizing these challenges, the global maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society has introduced specific support for female seafarers. This includes a female helpline and a Female Peer-to-Peer Support Group, providing women with a platform to connect with others who understand their unique experiences.

Despite progress, women in the maritime industry still encounter gender-based discrimination, harassment from male colleagues, and societal perceptions of the industry as male-dominated. These challenges are compounded by long periods of isolation at sea and the physical and mental demands of the job, which can disproportionately affect women, especially mothers. The recent Cadet Report by Sailors’ Society highlighted the limited access to training and career opportunities, gender bias in hiring, and discrimination faced by female cadets and ratings, contributing to lower retention rates in the industry.

The report also revealed that harassment and discrimination on board remain significant concerns for the next generation of maritime workers, impacting their career advancement and overall well-being. Despite these challenges, the majority of cadets and ratings surveyed acknowledged the positive impact of diversity, including gender inclusion, on the industry. Sailors’ Society CEO Sara Baade emphasized the importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in the maritime sector, where women can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and skills to drive innovation and progress. Through initiatives like the female helpline and Peer-to-Peer Support Group, the Society aims to provide dedicated support tailored to the needs of female seafarers.

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