Despite strides toward gender equality, women constitute only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce, underlining a critical need for heightened inclusivity in a male-dominated maritime industry. The evolving sector faces significant skills shortages, making the empowerment of women essential not just for equity but as a strategic necessity. Christian Halaas Lyster, the Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to mainstream gender equality within the maritime industry during a recent event, where he noted that more women than ever are beginning to shape the sector.
The event showcased a panel featuring prominent female leaders in maritime: Knut Benzrod, Chief Operating Officer of the Norwegian Training Center; Mailyn Borillo, the first female Managing Director and President of OSM Thome Philippines; and Daryl Sevilleno, President and General Manager of Solstad Management Philippines, Inc. These leaders shared their journeys of rising through the ranks to attain leadership positions, offering inspiring narratives that underscore the impact of female representation.
Highlighting the urgency of this issue, Benzrod pointed to the Norwegian Training Center’s long-standing commitment to empowering women through education. For over three decades, the center has awarded more than 490 scholarships to female seafarers since it began its program in 1993, aiming to provide essential leadership and technical skills. He stressed the importance of raising awareness among young women about career opportunities in seafaring, advocating that targeted information campaigns are crucial to fostering interest among the youth.
Borillo echoed the call for greater awareness, noting that women represent approximately half of the global population, indicating a significant untapped potential within the maritime workforce. She reiterated that the inclusion of women not only addresses equity but also enhances the overall skill level and competitiveness of the maritime sector.
To achieve this vision, Borillo suggested incentivizing maritime companies to adopt inclusive policies, particularly within the private sector. Sevilleno reinforced the need for policies that support women’s career longevity at sea, allowing them the flexibility to transition into shore-based roles when desired. Additionally, Benzrod emphasized the importance of ensuring both the physical and psychological safety of female seafarers, underscoring the necessity of a supportive environment onboard.
The event aimed to highlight best practices and vital initiatives that can empower women to break barriers and forge successful paths within the maritime industry. As discussions continue, the collective aim remains clear: to create a more inclusive maritime sector that values and utilizes the full potential of its workforce, thereby driving progress for the whole industry.
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