First International day for Women in Maritime observed on 18th May 2022

Chandigarh, May 18, 2022: The inaugural International Maritime Organisation(IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime (IDFWIM), which was observed  today focused on the theme 'Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment.' Merchant Navy Officers Association (MNOA), Chandigarh too stressed on the need for a barrier free working environment for women in the merchant navy based on the principle of gender equality. President of MNOA, Chandigarh -Captain TS Bhatia also said that the executive committee of MNOA has agreed in principle to provide a platform for counselling and guidance to girls from the region, who are keen to join the Merchant Navy.

 “We want more and more girls to join the Merchant Navy. International Day for Women in Maritime is a moment to pause and reflect upon by all stakeholders to ensure maximum participation of women seafarers in maritime,” said Captain Bhatia in a statement.

It is worth noting that at present the women work force in the shipping industry is just two to three per cent. “There is a large scope for increasing numbers of women in the shipping industry, both onshore and offshore. Shipping Companies should work towards the cause of empowering women in the maritime industry, by raising awareness from the grass root level, by holding workshops and lectures in schools of the region,” said Simranjot Kaur Mann, a 31-year old Voyage Manager, who is from tricity.

Captain K S Sujlana, a senior member of MNOA  said that there are challenges and opportunities for women in maritime activities, particularly seafaring. “Women seafarers have been considered as an underutilised and underdeveloped resource by the Shipping Industry. If the number of women in seafaring goes up, it could solve the problem of crew shortage,” said Captain Sujlana, also stressing on the need to create a safe work environment for them. 

Meanwhile Simranjot blamed the lack of awareness, popular misconceptions, domestic responsibilities, and poor literacy rate for the low representation of women in the Merchant Navy. “I am lucky to have gotten supportive parents and in-laws,” she said. There are 2.25 lakh seafarers in India, however, only 2500 of them are women.

Talking about the career option for girls in the maritime sector, Simranjot Kaur Mann said, "They can explore opportunities ashore. They can work as Marine Superintendents, Surveyors, Instructors, Voyage Managers, and can still fulfill their domestic needs. I would like to advise that girls should live their life to their dreams. No matter what comes in the way, they should move ahead with courage and determination on the career path they want."