21 ISSUE 12 | MARCH-APRIL 2025 we would have women seafarers approach us with complaints of not getting jobs, whereas today, there aren’t enough women seafarers to fill the positions. Today, women have moved from being an exception to becoming a growing force in maritime. More women are now pursuing seafaring careers, leading shore-based operations, and taking up top management and leadership positions. Most importantly, the industry has started recognizing the need for equal opportunities, training, and representation in leadership roles. S4S: How do you see industry responding to the need for gender diversity onboard ships? S.Sh.: Today the industry has evolved to a level where they want to establish Gender Diversity onboard ships. And although the move has been gradual yet steady, it’s very, very promising. More companies are implementing gender-inclusive policies, investing in safe and respectful workplaces, and actively hiring women cadets and officers. However, the pace needs to accelerate with stronger enforcement of policies and structured career paths for women at sea. S4S: What initiatives related to diversity and inclusion would you like to see in the workplace both onboard and ashore? S.Sh.: With respect to DEI, we have been recommending the following initiatives on all platforms and forums. ●● Mandatory gender sensitization programs for all crew members. ●● Zero Tolerance Policies against SASH with swift redressal mechanisms. ●● More leadership training and career advancement programs for women. ●● Inclusive Training and Hiring policies with defined pathways for retention and promotion S4S: What are some of the common grievances reported by women seafarers regarding workplace harassment? S.Sh.: In our recent survey, we observed the following prominent grievances reported by women seafarers regarding workplace harassment: Sexual harassment & gender discrimination; Lack of proper reporting mechanisms leading to fear of retaliation and; Unequal treatment in assignments and promotions. S4S: What legal and psychological support systems does MUI offer for women facing workplace harassment? S.Sh.: At the MUI, we provide confidential helplines for legal and emotional support, legal assistance for reporting workplace harassment cases and counseling services to support mental well-being. S4S: What is your wish list for the industry, regulators, and all parties involved to implement changes and improvements with regards to life onboard / crew welfare? S.Sh.: With regards to life onboard / crew welfare, my wish list would include the following changes: ●● Stricter anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies onboard. ●● Better accommodation, facilities and well-fitting PPE Gear for women at sea. ●● More structured and effective reporting and grievance redressal systems. ●● Mandatory Gender Sensitization training for all crew on a regular basis. ●● Awareness and training programs to educate seafarers on their rights. S4S: Is there a need for stricter regulations or monitoring mechanisms to prevent SASH incidents onboard? S.Sh.: Absolutely. Stricter policies, real-time monitoring mechanisms, and independent investigations are crucial to preventing and addressing harassment onboard. Transparency in reporting and zero-tolerance enforcement should be standard across all companies. S4S: If you could change one thing across the industry from your perspective, what would it be and why? S.Sh.: I would share not one, but a couple of changes that I would like to bring in the maritime industry. And those would be: firstly, to create a more structured career path for women that would include highly supportive return to work policies, and secondly, to build skills and training towards leadership positions. These changes would go a long way to retain women in the industry. S4S: What is your key message to the maritime community to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for women? S.Sh.: Women are here to stay! Therefore, it’s imperative that every stakeholder from Companies, MTIs, Unions, maritime Authorities, to regulators, and seafarers—must take collective action in creating an environment where women can work with dignity, equality, and confidence. I N T E R V I EW
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