ISSUE 12 | MARCH-APRIL 2025 20 A R T I C L E SAFETY4SEA: What inspired the Maritime Union of India (MUI) to establish a dedicated Women’s Wing and how it aligns with the broader goals of gender equality and diversity in the maritime sector? Saleha Shaikh: The Maritime Union of India (MUI) was founded in 1939 for Seafaring Officers. It was only in 2017, that the MUI Women’s Wing was established. As a seafarer’s wife, I had felt the need to have a Community Support System for families of seafarers that would address their grievances, offer assistance, address their concerns and also have a platform to discuss problems faced by seafarer families. It was with this vision, that I approached the MUI, which felt that it was time they set up a dedicated department to address Women Centric issues. With a growing number of women joining onboard positions, the challenges faced by these women highlighted the need for a dedicated platform to address workplace issues, career growth, and personal well-being. And thus, the MUI Women’s Wing was created to provide a structured Community Support System for women seafarers and the families of seafarers. Aligning MUI WOMEN’S WING: Women have moved from being an exception to a growing force in maritime Saleha Shaikh, Founder & Head of the MUI Women’s Wing, explains how this initiative aims to support women seafarers and their families, promote inclusivity, and break barriers in the maritime industry. Founded in 2017, the Women’s Wing offers various programs and provides a dedicated platform to address workplace challenges, career growth, and personal well-being. with global initiatives, our goal is to break barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower women in the industry. S4S: What are three (3) key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in the maritime industry? S.Sh.: I believe in order to succeed as a Woman in the maritime Industry, you need to have: 1. Passion with an ‘I can do anything attitude’. 2. Determination to achieve what you set out to do, come what may. 3. Resilience to face all kinds of challenges and brave them gracefully. S4S: How has the role of women in the maritime industry evolved over the years? S.Sh.: Talking about women seafarers in particular, in the past 5 years, I have personally witnessed a Sea of Change with respect to their employment. Whereas earlier, Shipping Companies made excuses on employing women onboard ships citing company policies or owners’ unwillingness, today the tables have turned around, with more and more companies wanting to employ women seafarers. Earlier
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