As a show of solidarity and support for the SIU’s own population of our sister Seafarers as well as those across the globe, union representatives attended a group Zoom call hosted by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on March 7, preceding International Women’s Day (March 8). They discussed the state of affairs for seafaring women, the invisible barriers and challenges they face, and what steps companies, unions and the greater shipping industry can take to make maritime careers more attractive to other women who may have an interest in sailing.
SIU participants included Jersey City Representative Jordan Esopa, Media Coordinator Lauren Liles, and Oakland Patrolwoman Kathy Chester.
The ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated, launched their Women at Sea network back in February, but the federation and its affiliates heavily promoted their outreach in March to coincide with Women’s History Month. This effort, which includes the creation of a new section of their website as well as newly minted groups and programming made to connect women seafarers from various backgrounds, is meant to honor women working in the maritime industry, and to make sure their rights are protected.
“I know personally, to further my involvement, I joined several national organizations for women and am truly impressed with network and support [the ITF has] offered,” said Liles. “Seeing this expand to a global network with the launch of the ITF’s Women at Sea website, with not only the resources it offers, but the issues they seek to highlight, is a wonderful and exciting thing to be a part of and bear witness as it develops.”
Additionally, the federation hopes to encourage other women to join the fold with the assurance that they can have successful careers in what has historically been a male-dominated industry. Careers at sea are still skew heavily male, with only 2% of seafarers worldwide being women, according to statistics shared by the ITF.
“As a member of our recruiting team, I’ve always been appreciative that the SIU’s numbers surrounding women are higher than global industry standard and our ever-present goal to increase, not only this, but the overall diversity of our candidates, drives our efforts,” said Liles. Indeed, the percentage of new female seafarers attending apprenticeship classes through the SIU’s affiliated school in southern Maryland has trended upward, to about 15% over the past year.
ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith chaired the Zoom call, which consisted of speakers from various organizations within the shipping industry. Among those addressing the meeting were Lydia Ferrad (International Maritime Organization representative to the ITF), Elisza Chomi (who sails as a chief engineer), Lena Dyring (Norwegian Seafarers Union, Chair of the ITF Cruise Ship Task Force), Amalie Grevsen (Marine Culture Lead, Maersk), Lorena de Silva (ITF Seafarers’ Section Committee Women’s representative), Arsenio Dominguez (International Maritime Organization Secretary General), and Sarah Lovell (Technical Content Development Manager, International Chamber of Shipping).
Some of the call focused on promoting new endeavors meant to encourage the existing population of female seafarers to get connected and discuss retention and recruitment efforts, while another portion focused on discussing current issues that affect women at sea.
“I think Women at Sea is an incredible resource for women working in maritime,” said the SIU’s Esopa. “The ‘network’ page is a great way to connect women in the industry and build a sense of community for our sisters feeling isolated while they are away at work.”
The female mariners on the panel shared a combination of their own personal experiences sailing along with resources and advice for other women who work in maritime roles.
Esopa found the personal stories from female seafarers most impactful. “There is certainly a unique set of challenges female seafarers face not only working in a male-dominated industry but also working in an industry that by its nature is quite isolating,” she said.
Chomi mentioned that some of the challenges discussed during the meeting mirror those faced by women in other professions.
Ferrad shared that she would prefer that her shipmates see her for her role and competence rather than be treated differently or held to different standards simply for being a woman.
Other speakers throughout the duration of the call echoed Ferrad’s sentiment that further regulations and training are needed to ensure a safer workplace for her fellow female seafarers, along with more enforcement.
“More colleagues and superiors need training to help people go through filing report processes for bullying, harassment etc.,” said Grevsen.
In the foreign-flag fleet, current practices aimed at combatting harassment, according to people on the call, commonly consists of companies ignoring complaints or simply signing off on reports made about improper behavior, without taking any further action.
Other suggestions made during the call included ships carrying personal protective equipment specifically tailored to women (such as masks and boots), and more shipboard accommodations such as women’s restrooms and the provision of sanitary materials.
IMO Secretary Dominguez agreed that “outdated attitudes” toward women who sail need to change, and that companies should encourage individuals to speak up and take appropriate action when concerns arise.
Participants also mentioned the difficulties involved in enforcing a standard of inclusion for women in an industry that spans many countries and cultural differences. “Empowerment of women needs to come from the country first,” said Chomi.
Chomi spoke about addressing the fear of reporting instances of bullying/harassment, saying that women who might be apprehensive to make a report should instead see it as an act of courage. She expressed that many women are deterred from reporting harassment for fear of judgment or mistreatment after the fact.
She recognized it’ll take patience and persistence to boost the shipboard culture worldwide, but that the industry should push for “small wins over time” until the maritime sector becomes more equitable. Chomi emphasized that companies with inclusive workplaces attract better talent, too.
Overall, the speakers agreed that one company can’t change everything when it comes to improving equity for women at sea, but with joint efforts from many organizations across the industry, they can change a lot. Real progress comes from collective action, and union membership helps to make that possible, several speakers noted.
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