Women have to confront discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and violence onboard
The issues and challenges facing women seafarers came under the spotlight at the ITF’s recent Asia-Pacific seafarers and fisheries committee meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, 12-13 June 2012.
“Women working in a predominantly male, and often hostile, environment have to confront discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and violence in their workplace on board ship,” said Mich-elle Myers, a delegate from the Maritime Union of Australia. “One reason for this is their very small presence in the industry”.
Although the meeting heard that the numbers are growing, especially on cruise ships, and that more women are coming through the maritime academies, women still represent less than one per cent of approximately 1.25 million seafarers in the region.
Delegates at the meeting debated why there were so few women seafarers, the steps unions needed to take to make the industry woman friendly, and how greater numbers would help improve conditions for women seafarers.
Jon Whitlow, seafarers section secretary said: “This was the best and longest ever discussion on the issue of women seafarers in the region. The debate needs to continue to encourage women to be a part of this important industry.”
Find out about ITF resources for women seafarers here
Source: ITF