To promote the involvement of women in the marine industry, UAE joined hands with various other countries in providing reservations and more working opportunities for women. The industry expects to have a face lift with more women in the marine industry.
Women in a Male-Dominated Sector
The marine industry was largely a male-dominated industry with little over 2% of the women working. But with recent times, women have started to ride the waves and take directions in the industry. Recruitment of women in various roles within the shipping industry is on the rise. Maritime organisations are increasingly promoting gender-balanced workforce throughout the industry.
Global Awareness and Initiatives
Last year, ‘Empowering women in the maritime community’ was the theme for the world Maritime day. The theme was designed to encourage more women to join the maritime industry and to take up senior roles.
Various women in shipping summits have been carried out across the globe to tackle gender bias, and mentoring a new generation of the female workforce in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 2% of the total women workforce is considerably less but it’s hopeful to grow.
Industry Challenges and Opportunities
The industry currently is facing a shortage of officers, including an ageing workforce and a lack of diverse skills. Even though it's a matter of concern, the industry has opened up more opportunity for non-gender work.
Maritronics’ Perspective
Maritronics, one of the leading marine service providers also understands the need of a woman in the maritime industry to give a new perspective and outlook for the industry.
Campaigns and UAE’s Efforts
Many maritime industries in the world are running campaigns and are creating task forces to promote marine as a career vocation for women and to tackle gender indifference.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has requested the International Maritime Organisation for making maritime fraternity gender-free to maintain equality. The move is to ensure that women get equal work opportunities as men.
IMO Theme and UN Goals
Preserving the legacy of the world Maritime theme was passed by IMO for 2019 for ensuring a barrier-free working environment for women in the Maritime sector. The theme compliments in achieving the 5th goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Maritronics’ Support
Maritronics, marine services provider under the leadership of Centena group has extended their full support regarding the same.
Tackling Gender Differences
Gender difference in the maritime industry might be due to the lack of awareness of opportunities from the industry. Few maritime companies have already incorporated many open doors for women to work in their business.
Companies or authorities can bring reserved job slots for the woman so that the awareness is spread. Women who are currently working in the maritime industry as officers, architects and engineers have an adventurous, fun-filled and dedicated work environment.
Future Outlook
With work culture-changing and women getting to know the opportunities, the maritime industry is expected to change drastically in the coming years. Maritronics has detailed plans regarding employing women on their various verticals.
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