Celebrating International Day for Women in Maritime

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrates International Day for Women in Maritime today, recognizing the invaluable contributions of women to the safety and security of global shipping. This year’s theme, “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety,” shines a spotlight on the critical role Caribbean women play in ensuring a thriving maritime industry.

Despite significant progress, the sector remains heavily male-dominated. Statistics from the IMO reveal that only 2% of seafarers globally are women, with the overall maritime workforce reflecting a mere 29% female participation. This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime aims to not only celebrate the achievements of Caribbean women in the field, but also advocate for increased inclusion and bridge the current gender gap.

“The objective is to go beyond simply acknowledging women’s successes; we strive to champion equal opportunities within the industry,” declared IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. “The maritime sector offers a vast array of possibilities for Caribbean women, encompassing seafaring, engineering, legal aspects, logistics, and a multitude of other areas.”

The IMO is actively encouraging participation in a series of key events to mark the occasion. A vibrant social media campaign, spearheaded by the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay, invites women working in the Caribbean maritime sector and industry supporters to share photos that showcase safety at sea from a woman’s perspective.

“We must be exemplars, acting as role models who are dedicated to fostering inclusive, empowering, and secure working environments for women,” said Dominguez, emphasizing that the theme underscores the crucial role Caribbean women can play in elevating safety standards across the industry.

Four women – Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester in Jamaica; Clarivette Diaz of the Puerto Rico Shipping Association; Erica Luke of the Shipping Association of Barbados; and Sonja Voisin from the Trinidad and Tobago Shipping Association – are currently at the helm of national shipping associations, a sign of significant progress for an industry traditionally dominated by men. This shift in leadership disrupts the status quo and paves the way for a more diverse and inclusive environment. With fresh perspectives at the top, these women can champion policies that promote equal opportunities within the industry, while also bringing new ideas to the table to navigate the complex challenges facing global shipping in the 21st century.

The International Day for Women in Maritime serves as a significant platform to raise awareness of the challenges women face within the maritime sector and to champion initiatives that will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for the Caribbean maritime industry.