Striving for gender equality in the maritime industry usually holds a reputation of aversion as cases of discrimination, lower opportunities for advancement, and harassment still persist for women.
In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Monica Kohli, president, Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK), however, felt sailing on an adventure towards diversity and Inclusion would be a fulfilling voyage to have.
Kohli, who is also the chair of Indian Maritime Association UK (IMA UK), delved into the specific works of WISTA UK and how it has built the sturdy and formidable association which champions for women in an ocean of choppy waters.
On July 19 in London, WISTA UK celebrated 50th anniversary with an event highlighting five decades of progress and ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the maritime industry.
What makes you proud among all the achievements that WISTA has made?
As president of WISTA UK, I am proud of the progress we have made in the past few years in promoting gender equality and diversity in the maritime industry. Our achievements in providing networking, education, and mentoring opportunities for women in the industry are a source of pride for me.
We started fundraising for a female cadet in the UK, along with the Maritime London Officer Cadet Scheme (MLOCS) two years ago. This led to the Maritime Education Fund (MEF), providing us with the opportunity to get five ladies into maritime training this year, fully funded.
WISTA will be providing membership and mentorship to these ladies. We are now working with MEF and also other industry bodies to try and get as many women to apply for the program. Bit by bit we are trying to bridge the gender gap in maritime – our current numbers are at two percent so we have a long way to go.
We are now starting a formal mentorship program with “Women in Transport, UK” to give women all the support they need in their careers and to enable senior ladies to impart their experiences.
We have also expanded our events beyond London – having events in Liverpool, Edinburgh, Southampton, Newcastle, and attending events in Belfast and Portsmouth. This gives our members across the UK a chance to attend events closer to their base.
In terms of collaborating, we have formed alliances with the Royal Navy, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the UK government, fostering cross-sector connections, advocating for gender equality across all transport sectors, and enhancing synergy. Our efforts have expanded our membership base, evidenced by high demand for our events and increased social media engagement.
Our annual summer event at the IMO in July, attended by members, male allies, supporters, guests and friends was a resounding success, as were the accolades received by our Woman and Man of the year- Nusrat Ghani MP, and Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping respectively. We also had a special commendation for Katy Ware, UK ‘s permanent representative to the IMO.
We were delighted that the secretary general of the IMO, His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez was our chief guest and keynote speaker and also showed his support for gender equality. He has stated that we would not speak on any panel where there was no woman speaking.
How can you contribute to elevate women’s status in the male-centered maritime industry?
In my capacity as president of WISTA UK, I believe I can contribute to elevating women’s status in the male-centered maritime industry by advocating for equal opportunities and representation for women, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing support and resources for women in the industry. A tangible approach is ensuring gender balanced representation on our panels – and not endorsing events lacking such parity.
We spotlight women in diverse maritime roles, highlighting those who have significantly contributed to the industry’s diversity and serving as role models. We also work with and ensure we amplify the work of male allies.
What is your opinion on media reporting of the experiences of women in maritime?
The portrayal of women in maritime by the media is critical, demanding balanced coverage that illustrates both the challenges and triumphs faced by women, while advocating for gender equality. We are grateful for the supportive UK maritime media, which has celebrated our golden jubilee and showcased WISTA UK’s founders., events and the contributions to the sector.
How are green goals and accountability to stakeholders affecting business sense and landscape of companies?
The green goals and accountability to stakeholders are affecting the business sense and landscape of companies in a positive way. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability and responsible business practices, and are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and governance practices. I think accountability is important.
What are the responsibilities of IMO in providing global regulations on ESG, fuel standards, and reporting requirements to allow shipping business to navigate prevalent industry demands?
Finally, the IMO plays an essential regulatory role in establishing global standards for ESG, fuel usage, and reporting protocols, aiding shipping companies to meet contemporary demands. The IMO must continue to ensure the maritime industry operates sustainably and equitably, offering guidance and legislation to support these ambitions, and maintaining equilibrium among diverse global interests.
Photo credit: WISTA UK. Monica Kohli, president, WISTA UK.
