A few years ago, I gave a speech in an IMO International Maritime Institute (IMLI) discussion on women in the maritime industry. The IMLI Board of Studies had given me a scholarship to read my masters in 2006 (completion in 2007) so this seemed a good opportunity to give something back.
Today, I attended a similar-themed breakfast, She Leads the Seas. MaritimeMT, in Malta, organised this event as part of the MARMED project.
This get-together focused on the opportunities for women in the shipping industry.
MARMED
The MARMED project is a part of ERASMUS+. It aims to bridge the gap between the existing needs and the current skillset of Maritime Clusters Managers.
MARMED aims to look at upskilling of members of the industry. Other aims include:
- Outlining an innovative professional profile for increased competitiveness of Maritime Clusters in the Mediterranean area; and
- Overall, boosting innovation and sustainable growth in the Blue Economy sector.
THE EVENT
This in-person seminar included:
- an outline of the project,
- a discussion on the role of women in the maritime industry; and
- a good overview of available opportunities.
Women are still widely under-represented in the maritime industry. Only 22% of the industry workers are female. There are many actions that the industry can take to change this balance.
The audience included IMLI students, various professionals and lecturers from the industry and officials from the Flag, Transport Malta.
Participants of the meeting also touched upon Women in Transport – EU Platform for change. The objective of this Platform, launched on 27 November 2017, is to strengthen women’s employment and equal opportunities for women and men in the transport sector through the actions brought about by the Platform members. It will also serve as a forum to discuss and exchange good practices.
REMEMBERING – INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR WOMEN IN SHIPPING
The IMO Resolution A.1170(32) of 09 December 2021, established the 18th May as the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime.
