International Women's Day: Gender Equality in the Maritime Industry

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global moment that recognizes women’s achievements and highlights the ongoing need for gender equality in the workplace. But while progress has been made in many sectors, the maritime industry is still one of the most male-dominated industries in the world. 

From ship management offices and ports to shipyards and vessels at sea, women are still underrepresented at almost every level. And addressing this imbalance isn’t just a social issue: it’s a business, safety, and sustainability issue that directly affects the future of maritime. 

In this blog post, we’re looking at why gender equality in the maritime industry matters, what employers can do to create more inclusive workplaces, and how young women can pursue successful maritime careers, whether ashore or at sea. 

Why Gender Equality in the Maritime Industry Is Important 

A Broader Talent Pool 

The maritime industry is facing growing skills shortages, particularly among seafarers, engineers, and technical specialists. By excluding or discouraging (or not actively encouraging) women, the industry is limiting its access to half of the available talent pool. 

Encouraging more women into maritime roles allows companies to recruit from a wider range of candidates, improving workforce quality and long-term resilience. 

Better Decision-Making and Performance 

Diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones. Gender-diverse workplaces benefit from: 

• A wider range of perspectives 

• Stronger problem-solving skills 

• Improved communication and collaboration 

In safety-critical environments like vessels and ports, better decision-making can directly impact operational performance and risk management. 

Stronger Safety Culture 

A healthy safety culture relies on trust, communication, and accountability. Research across multiple industries shows that inclusive environments encourage employees – and that includes crew - to speak up, report concerns, and challenge unsafe behavior. 

Read more: Communication Strategies When You Work in a Job at Sea 

In maritime operations, where silence can lead to serious incidents, gender equality supports safer working conditions for everyone. 

Reputation and Employer Branding 

The maritime labor market is increasingly transparent. Companies known for fair treatment, equal opportunities, and inclusive cultures are more attractive to both employees and clients. 

Gender equality is no longer optional. It is an expectation, particularly among younger generations entering the workforce. 

Barriers Women Still Face in Maritime 

Despite progress, women continue to encounter challenges such as: 

• Limited access to role models and mentors 

• Outdated perceptions about women working at sea 

• Lack of suitable facilities on vessels 

• Unconscious bias in recruitment and promotion 

• Harassment or discrimination, often underreported 

Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward addressing them. 

How Employers Can Achieve Gender Equality in Maritime 

Commit at Leadership Level 

Real change starts at the top. Gender equality must be supported by senior leadership and reflected in company strategy, not just treated as a marketing initiative. 

Leaders should: 

• Set clear diversity and inclusion goals 

• Track progress using measurable data 

• Communicate openly about expectations and values 

Review Recruitment and Promotion Practices 

Employers should examine whether their hiring and promotion processes unintentionally favor one gender. 

Practical steps include: 

• Using gender-neutral language in job ads 

• Ensuring diverse interview panels 

• Promoting based on competence and performance, not assumptions 

Read more: How to Develop an Effective Maritime Recruitment Process 

Create Safe and Inclusive Work Environments 

This is particularly important onboard vessels and in operational roles. 

• Clear zero-tolerance policies for harassment 

• Confidential reporting mechanisms 

• Regular training on respectful behavior 

A workplace where people feel safe is one where they can perform at their best. 

Support Work-Life Balance 

Maritime careers often involve long hours, rotations, and travel. Flexible policies benefit both women and men. 

Examples include: 

• Transparent rotation planning 

• Family-friendly shore-based roles 

• Career breaks without penalty 

Invest in Training and Mentorship 

Providing mentorship and development opportunities helps women build confidence and progress into leadership roles. 

• Mentorship programs pairing junior staff with senior leaders 

• Leadership training for women 

• Sponsorship for maritime education and certifications 

Gender Equality in Maritime: By the Numbers 

• Women represent approximately 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce (IMO–WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, 2021). 

• The majority of women at sea work in the cruise sector, with significantly lower representation in cargo shipping. 

• Women make up around 29% of the overall maritime workforce globally, including shore-based roles. 

• Female participation drops sharply in technical, operational, and leadership positions across the industry. 

• The IMO’s Women in Maritime Programme has been active since 1988, supporting greater female participation worldwide. 

• Gender equality is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). 

What is the IMO’s Women in Maritime Programme? 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has formally recognized that improving gender balance is essential to the long-term sustainability of global shipping. It launched its Women in Maritime Programme in 1988. 

The programme’s goals include: 

• Increasing female participation in the maritime sector 

• Supporting maritime education for women 

• Promoting gender balance in IMO Member State administrations 

The IMO actively supports regional Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs), which now exist across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific. 

The organization’s leadership has also repeatedly emphasized inclusion as a strategic priority with former IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim stating: 

“Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.” 

Traditional vs Inclusive Maritime Workplaces 

Traditional Approach	Inclusive Approach
Limited female representation	Active gender diversity targets
Informal career progression	Transparent promotion pathways
Silence around discrimination	Clear reporting and accountability
Few female roles models	Visible women leaders

Advice for Young Women Entering the Maritime Industry 

Explore the Range of Career Options 

Maritime is far more than working on ships – although working at sea is a fantastic career for anyone who has the right skills, personality and mindset. Other shore-based maritime career paths include: 

• Ship management and operations 

• Port and terminal management 

• Shipbuilding and repair 

• Maritime law, insurance, and finance 

• Recruitment and crew management 

• Technical and engineering roles 

Understanding the full scope of the industry will help you, as a young woman, identify where your interests and skills fit best. 

Build Relevant Skills Early 

Strong foundations matter. 

• Study maritime, engineering, logistics, or business-related subjects 

• Develop technical and digital skills 

• Improve communication and problem-solving abilities 

For seagoing roles, choosing accredited maritime academies and training providers is essential. 

Seek Mentors and Networks 

Mentorship can make a significant difference. 

• Connect with women already working in maritime 

• Join professional associations and women-in-maritime groups 

• Attend industry events and webinars 

Learning from others’ experiences helps navigate challenges more effectively. 

Be Confident and Persistent 

Bias still exists, but confidence and persistence matter. 

• Apply for roles even if you do not meet every requirement 

• Ask questions and seek feedback 

• Advocate for your own development 

Progress may not always be linear, but persistence pays off. 

Know Your Rights 

Understanding workplace rights is critical. 

• Know company policies on equality and harassment 

• Speak up or seek support when needed 

• Use formal reporting channels when appropriate 

A professional workplace should never require silence in exchange for opportunity. 

The Role of the Industry Going Forward 

Gender equality in maritime won’t happen overnight. It requires long-term commitment, honest self-assessment, and collaboration across companies, regulators, and training institutions. 

International Women’s Day is a reminder that equality isn’t just about fairness. It is about building a stronger, safer, and more sustainable maritime industry for the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are there so few women in maritime roles 

There are a number of reasons why there are so few women working in the maritime industry. Historical perceptions, limited visibility, and structural barriers have discouraged women from entering the industry. These factors are slowly changing. 

Can women work on ships safely 

Yes. With proper policies, facilities, and leadership commitment, vessels can be safe and professional workplaces for everyone. 

Are there opportunities for women in shore-based maritime jobs 

Absolutely. Many maritime careers are shore-based and offer strong progression opportunities across technical, operational, and commercial roles. 

How can companies measure progress on gender equality 

Through data such as hiring ratios, promotion rates, retention, and employee feedback surveys. 

What can the maritime industry do differently 

The industry can modernize recruitment, invest in inclusion, highlight female role models, and treat equality as a core business priority rather than a side initiative.