Diversity is a topic of utmost importance to the maritime industry; as it is known to produce better results. Many shipping companies have found that having women in their workforce and even more so in positions of responsibility has produced a positive result. “Women have now found and secured their position in the shipping sector, at least on shore, since the role of women in maritime has evolved significantly over the years. The complete findings of the survey on the gender based discrimination against women, have proved that the full equality on ships are no way off and the difficulties women face and still encounter on vessels are vast. We still have a lot to do,” said Ms Elpi Petraki, President, Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) International.

She was speaking at the Maritime SheEO conference titled – Changing Leadership Paradigms that was held on November, 16^th at the opulent Taj Santacruz in Mumbai.

Loud Wake Up Call

I was shocked when I heard the findings of the survey when it was presented at the WISTA International Conference in Geneva just a couple of weeks ago. I realized that this research could be a new and more loud wake up call to the maritime industry worldwide. We need to look at how to change behaviours and attitudes onboard. We have to work together to find ways to solve this problem.

Driving Change

WISTA is passionate about driving change. And appreciates initiatives such as the Maritime SheEO conference and the Diversity Guide. I’m delighted to officially announced the formal partnership between WISTA International and Maritime SheEO. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at WISTA International Annual General Meeting on 26 October in Geneva, Switzerland. Under this new MoU is the second Maritime SheEO Leadership Accelerator Programme (LEAP). An excellent initiative that is helping women across the maritime industry to develop leadership skills and take the next step in their careers. I would like to congratulate Ms Sanjam Gupta as this is her brainchild. We will always be there to support your efforts.

Diversity and Inclusiveness

Creating a sustainable maritime industry and work environment that has new equal opportunities for all is directly related to diversity and inclusiveness. I strongly believe all business leaders should strive to make their companies as inclusive and free of discrimination as possible.

If we have people from various backgrounds in our companies and teams, then we will offer equal opportunities to everyone and we will hire new employees without regards to their gender, religion or nationality. We will provide opportunities for development in order to achieve our business goals together. We have a responsibility to raise awareness on the beliefs and the benefits of diversity, to break down barriers for career progression and change traditional mind-sets to create a right environment for everyone.

Marex Media