Maritime industry needs more women

There remains an acute shortage of women in the maritime industry and the need for integration has become a source of genuine concern, according to Ipupa Kasheeta, manager bulk and breakbulk terminals at the Namibia Ports Authority. Speaking at the third annual Women in Maritime conference recently held in Cape Town, she said whilst this was a global problem, it was particularly evident in Africa. International studies show that women currently only comprise some 1-2% of the 1.2-million strong global workforce of seafarers. “Notwithstanding that women generally outperform their male counterparts at school, the question remains as to why there is this shortage,” she said. Kasheeta told delegates it was time African women raised their hands and took up the opportunities presented by the maritime sector. She said with women making up more than half of the world’s workforce it was imperative that change be effected. “This is being realised across the globe. Whilst industry has to overcome its perceptions of women, there is also the need for women to fight more for the opportunities that exist.” INSERT & CAPTION Women need to fight more for the opportunities that exist. – Ipupa Kasheeta