Prisilla Nadar

On the occasion of inaugural International Day for women in Maritime, The Shipping Cooperation of India (SCI), organized a Flag off Ceremony of MT Swarna Godavari with an all Women Merchant Officers’ Fleet from Jawahar Dweep oil terminal, Mumbai on 14th May. The ceremony was graced by The Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Mrs Meenakashi Lekhi as Chief Guest, where she said, if any company refuses to employee a women seafarer, just because of her gender, action will be taken against the company. “If such discrimination happens they should contact SCI and complain approach the agencies,” said Mrs HK Joshi, Chairperson and Managing Director, SCI. Addition to that, if more women come forward and complain about it, I assure, the government will form new policies to prevent such behaviour from companies,” promised Mrs Lekhi.

“Government of India is continuously encouraging the empowered women to take lead in various progressive initiatives for the benefit of society,” she added. She applauded the Team SCI in its resolute efforts towards such landmark initiatives and admired the professionalism of SCI women officer in undertaking voyages of critical cargo, such as crude oil.

Women form an integral part of the maritime workforce, contributing to the success of shipping companies, ports, onshore services and more. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in recognition, has declared 18th May as the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Lekhi applauded the Indian Navy for having highest number of women in its workforce that is, 6.5%. Taking the example of Rani of Jhansi and remarkable contribution of

Mrs Sumati Morarjee said, “Indian women have always been at the forefront in all spheres of progress and today constitute a share of 48% in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) graduates; however, extremely low share of women in Maritime Industry depicts an enormous scope for improvement.”

Capt Priyanka and CEO, Supriya Doke, were also present with Officers of the Sailing Team. This is the second of the exemplary voyages that SCI has sailed towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the Indian Shipping Industry while making global footprints.

Mrs Joshi urged all the women seafarers to inspire at least five other women aspirants to join maritime career, thus, achieving a multifold growth in the women participation. She stated, “Continued exclusion of women or failing to support the many women who have pushed past out-dated gender norms and made great strides in improving the participation of women in maritime would be a travesty of justice.” “This sequel initiative is to progressively encourage and demonstrate the women power to Maritime Industry, which will only augment in the years to come,” she added.

The Director General of Shipping, Mr Amitabh Kumar had sent a message, as he could not attend the event. “MT Swarna Krishna and MT Swarna Godavari carries this proud tradition forward and gives a clear message to the world that Indian Women seafarers are fully prepared not only to be the master of their own destiny but to also lead the world maritime industry,” said Mr Kumar through his message.

Dr Fukahori, Consul-General, Japan lauded the initiative and mentioned it as a challenge to the world shipping in undertaking such breakthrough steps to diminish the gender gap. He stated that through this voyage, SCI and Government of India has demonstrated an exemplary leadership at a global front, and made all of us proud.

The second voyage of ‘All Women Officers’ Sailing’ saw Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. aligning to the IMO theme for the International Day for Women in Maritime 2022 – “Training Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment” strengthening the principles of Diversity Equity & Inclusion that SCI upholds, while acknowledging the tremendous efforts by women around the world in shaping an equal future and celebrating many accomplishments by the women in breaking down the stereotypes in this erstwhile male dominated field.

Marex Media