Maersk launches 1^st prototype Gender Sensitization Workshop

Delphine Estibeiro

The current popular term in the maritime training sector is Gender Sensitization; and you may ask why it is so crucial to this sector? Well, traditionally the maritime sector has been male-dominated, making it essential to address the systemic barriers that hinder gender equality. In a hope to challenge stereotypes, promote diversity, and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding; on Monday, 17^th July, Maersk launched the 1^st Prototype Gender Sensitization Workshop in the Maritime Training Ecosystem in collaboration with the Director General of Shipping and Maritime Training Trust (MTT), which was virtually inaugurated by Mr R S Kabra CEO, MTT.

This pioneering Gender Sensitization Workshop initiative has been co-designed by Maersk and AMET, with the focus to foster awareness and inclusivity within the maritime training ecosystem. A team of experienced facilitators, academic experts, and industry professionals have meticulously designed this workshop to deliver an engaging and impactful experience for all participants. It will create a transformative experience, starting from the top management to faculties and support staff. The faculty and management workshop is in English while support staff is in local language to make the audience more comfortable to open up, as the workshop is a face-to-face session.

To guide and support young minds as they begin their journey into residential campus life in their formative years, this workshop will lay the foundation for an ecosystem that creates psychological safety, mutual respect, and embraces equal learning opportunities.

This carefully curated workshop has the following key objectives in mind:

Raising Awareness: By creating a safe and inclusive space, it aim to generate awareness about gender issues, stereotypes, and biases prevalent in the maritime industry. It firmly believe that knowledge is the first step towards positive change.

Equal Opportunity: The workshop will shed light on the importance of equal opportunity and how it can empower individuals regardless of their gender identity. It will explore ways to remove barriers and promote a level playing field for all aspiring professionals in the maritime sector.

Respectful Conversations: Effective communication is the cornerstone of any thriving community. Through interactive sessions and skill-building exercises, it will equip participants with the tools to engage in respectful and inclusive conversations with their peers, fostering a harmonious environment for personal and professional growth.

Empathy and Support: Transitioning into residential life can be challenging for young minds. The workshop focus on cultivating empathy and providing support mechanisms in line with the needs of the modern generation to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and respected within the maritime training ecosystem.

Maersk believes in embracing diversity and inclusivity, that can create a stronger, more innovative, and inclusive maritime community.

The aim is to complete this prototype rollout locally by July, with the support of participating MTIs from the hinterland; and later, present the final learning package to the DGS for a pan-India rollout.

It’s time to come together, break barriers and forge a future that champions equality, understanding and respect.

Marex Media

Box:

The Gender Sensitization Workshop Team

Capt Arvind Shankar – Project Manager (to conceive, design and execute this workshop)

Dr Deepa Rajesh – Principal investigator

Dr Rengamani and Dr Shamim – Co Investigators

Dr Aprajita Bhardwaj – Facilitator (for faculty and management)

Dr Arivukarasi – Faculty support staff