Tag: women in shipping

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) praises 2019 as a year of action reminiscing its achievements throughout the year and highlighting the importance of preserving the 2019 World Maritime Theme supporting women in shipping and taking out the barriers towards diversity and gender equality.

Recently-released data by ILOSTAT show that male-dominated occupations have even higher wage premiums for men, which shows that progress is needed in many areas and in every region to achieve gender equality in the labour market.

On January 1, 2020, engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta became the first woman to serve as the deputy administrator of the Panama Canal. Ms. Marotta has more than 30 years of experience in the Panama Canal in positions as executive manager of resource management and project controls before the Expansion Program.

South Africa's shipping sector took another step towards gender diversity in the industry, supporting women involvement, as the country dispatched an all-women cadet and training officers' team on a three-month journey to Antarctica, playing a crucial role in women's training and education.

Year 2019 was full of events, from discussions on accelerating efforts to protect the environment, the importance of seafarers’ wellness, to gender equality and the women’s role in the shipping sector. Thus, the timeline below, presents how the shipping sector involved this year.

If we had to choose one - or maybe two - words to describe 2019 for the shipping industry, these would be: human-focused. Despite the fact that 2020 sulphur cap was on everyone’s mind this year, we saw many significant developments in key human areas. From mental health issues, to women in shipping and safety culture, the industry seems to be putting its people first, trying to boost equality and – most importantly – safety.

The World Economic Forum issued a report focusing on gender equality and the importance of parity in the economic and societal sectors, further examining gender gap prospects in the professions of the future. Yet, the report reveals that “gender parity will not be attained for 99.5 years”, an issue which is apparent in many sectors, such as shipping, which still remains a male-dominant industry.

In honor of December 10 marking the Human Rights Day, United Nations Women published an infographic presenting the women’s place, their abilities and the future awaiting. 

Princess Cruises named its newest vessel, Sky Princess, celebrating the women of the US Space Program, specifically honoring two women of NASA for their accomplishments in the program. The two women celebrated for their achievements are Captain Kay Hire, and engineer Poppy Northcutt, who served as the godmothers of Sky Princess.

During its 31st session, November 25 to December 4, the IMO adopted a resolution on "Preserving the Legacy of the World Maritime Theme for 2019 and achieving a Barrier-Free Working Environment for Women in the Maritime Sector".