Conference spotlights role of women in maritime industry

Women and the crucial role they play in the maritime industry came under the spotlight at the third annual Women in Maritime conference that was held in Noordhoek in Cape Town this week.

Ipupa Kasheeta, manager bulk and breakbulk terminals at the Namibia Ports Authority, opened the conference saying the integration of women in the maritime industry remained a concern as not only were there far too few women in the industry at large, but at executive level this was particularly problematic.

“The maritime industry is historically male dominated. Concerted efforts have to be made to increase the role of women in maritime,” she said.

International studies show that women currently only comprise some 1 to 2% of the 1.2-million-strong global workforce of seafarers.

“Women thrive in this industry and they do well when given an opportunity,” she said. “But women also have to learn to raise their hands and grab opportunities regardless of the criticism they face. They need to increase their self-confidence and sell themselves to move forward in their organisations.”

The conference concludes today.