We are living in an age where ‘Uncertainty’ and ‘Stress’ have become the norm.

There is uncertainty in our lives, in our health, and even in our financial situation. Whether it’s money management or self-management, we need to take charge and find the right strategies that work for us as an individual. It’s a balancing act that comes with trial and error but one that can be cultivated with patience and discipline.

Keeping the above in mind, the Maritime Union of India – Women’s Wing (MUI-WW) held a Women-centric seminar on strategies to make informed and conscious efforts towards a meaningful and harmonious existence. The seminar was part of the Community Development program – ‘Women Welfare’, conducted for women from the seafaring community. The event was held on Sunday, 27th November 2022 at CLUB EMERALD, Mumbai.

The Chief Guest, Mrs HK Joshi, Ex CMD, SCI, was unable to attend the program but sent her best wishes for its success. Mrs Neera Saggi, Rtd IAS, Ex Chairperson, JNPT was Special Guest of Honor.

The Seminar started with a welcome by MUI-WW Core Team member Ms Pouruchishti Ukaji which was followed by the address of Mrs Saleha Shaikh, Founder and Head Co-ordinator, MUI Women’s Wing. Ms Shaikh introduced Capt. Tushar Pradhan, the newly elected General Secretary of MUI. Capt Pradhan, who has over 40 years’ experience at sea, addressed the gathering and shared how he has been the 4^th generation Seafarer in his family and how seafaring is part of his family legacy, where his mother was a mother to not one but three seafarers. He talked on how women have been contributors to the Maritime industry and how they need more opportunities and encouragement from all.

Ms Saleha Shaikh shared a brief on MUI-WW and presented a video on the activities of the Women’s Wing. Guest of Honour, Mrs Neera Saggi, an epitome of women empowerment, had some very inspiring words to share with the gathering on maintaining a fine balance in life. Mrs Nupur Rajvanshi talked about her recent survey on Women Seafarers and shared the findings in brief.

Capt Anshul Rajvanshi shared about the ‘ICALL’ and ‘WE TEAM’ initiative by Synergy Marine Group and PTC where Seafarers and their families across the globe can reach out for counselling on their 24×7 Helpline available in 14 different languages. The talented Mrs Sheena Rath enthralled the audience with a melodious song.

The seminar had two workshops addressed by experts.

1. Get Money Wise

Ms Rachna Monga Koppikar, Financial Coach & Investment Planning Specialist of The Great Gruhini fame, discussed the relationship with money and its effects on human behavior and also shared tips on how to save smartly and invest wisely.

2. 2. My Balancing Act: Creating my Aura of harmony.

A very powerful and thought inspiring session by Dr Deepti Mankad, Professional Development Trainer & Consultant, MINDSPEAK. This highly interactive session dealt on taking a holistic approach towards oneself and creating harmony in one’s existence.

PERSONALITY OF MUI-WW

Eleven Women Personalities from amongst Seafarers and their families, were recognized

for their outstanding work, felicitated for their contributions and awarded as –

‘OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY OF MUIWW’.

1. Mrs Sharvani Mishra, Marine Engineer,
2. Mrs Melissa Mathias, 1st Assistant Engineer,
3. Mrs Archana Saxena Sangal, Chief Engineer,
4. Mrs Sheena Rath,
5. Mrs Shevata Rai Talwar,
6. Mrs Nupur Rajvanshi,
7. Capt. Suneha Gadpande,
8. Mrs Renuka Nayar,
9. Ms Amita Kamath, Chief Engineer ,
10. Mrs Bharati Bhandarkar ,
11. Mrs Bhavna Mukatiwala .

The Seminar was attended by dignitaries from the Maritime Fraternity along with Women Seafarers, Women staff from Shipping companies and Seafarer families. The delicious lunch between the sessions was a great moment for the participants to network over and the ‘Chaat Counters’ were buzzing endlessly with social chatter.

The MUI Women’s Wing which was founded by Ms Saleha Shaikh in 2017 was launched in January 2018 under the aegis of the Maritime Union of India and completes five years in January 2023. It is the Community Support System for Seafarers families with an emphasis on Women Seafarers.

Programmes under Women’s Wing:

‘Women Welfare’ – This is a community-based development programme held by way of timely skill – building workshops and seminars, addressed by Experts on topics like Personality development, Parenting, Education, Career Counselling, Investment advice, Social service, etc

‘Swasth Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ – Health awareness talks and activities related to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, Sports and Fitness, etc. are part of this scheme.

‘Voice of Women’ – This is a 24X7 emergency assistance programme under which families of member seafarers can reach out to the Women’s Wing for any emergency assistance through its Helpline number: +91 9820401974. Alternatively, one can connect to them at muiww@maritimeunionofindia.com

‘Dignity@Sea’ – ‘Dignity at Sea’ programme is meant for Women seafarers when they are onboard. Women sea staff can report any kind of harassment or discrimination they face onboard from their fellow seafarers or the company on our Helpline +919820401974 or can write to muiww@maritimeunionofindia.com. Counseling for depression, loneliness, etc. as well as confidential medical advice can be sought through the above helpline.

OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY OF MUI-WW – A much awaited feature where Women members are awarded ‘OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY OF MUI-WW’ for their extraordinary work and contributions towards society.

The MUI Women’s Wing has a Core Team of four ladies and is headed by Ms Saleha Shaikh. It is the only organization in India that is of, for and by Seafarers Families. It has a Pan India presence with members from all corners of the country. The network of members is well established and helps to solve problems at the root levels.

For any information, kindly email at muiww@maritimeunionofindia.com

Marex Media