Exploring fresh frontiers: Breakfast discussion promoting female maritime leadership
In a concerning development, the 2024 Women in Maritime survey has revealed that gender equality and diversity continue to be elusive in the maritime sector, despite increased efforts to address these issues.
The survey, which involved data from 88 member states and 608 private organisations, nearly doubling the participation from the 2021 survey, has shed light on the persistent gender imbalance in the sector.
Women currently represent only 16% of the maritime workforce in the surveyed member states, a decline from 26% in 2021. This gender disparity is even more pronounced in the private sector, where the female share dropped from 29% to 16% during the same period.
At sea, women constitute barely 1% of the 211,750 mariners surveyed in 2024, highlighting the acute gender inequality that exists in this critical area of the maritime industry.
The findings of the survey have sparked a focus on human capital, crew welfare, and creating inclusive environments at industry events such as Europort 2025. The discussion will explore steps taken to date, lessons learned, and the confidence required to push boundaries.
Despite the increased discourse and initiatives, the report conveys that progress remains limited, with only "pockets of change" visible so far in diversity and inclusivity efforts across maritime leadership and workforce.
The full speaker line-up for the event will be announced shortly. The focus on diversity in the maritime sector has grown in recent years, with leading ship owners confirmed as speakers. The need for sustained, data-driven actions to foster equity in the global maritime industry has never been more urgent.
[1] Women in Maritime Survey 2024 Report [5] Women in Maritime Survey 2024: Progress Remains Limited
- The Women in Maritime Survey 2024 Report highlights the need for increased focus on diversity and inclusion, particularly in terms of women's health and wellness, in the maritime sector, considering women currently represent only 16% of the workforce and barely 1% of mariners.
- The findings suggest that while finance and business sectors have seen improved efforts towards diversity and inclusion, progress in the maritime industry remains limited, with only "pockets of change" evident.
- In response to these concerns, the focus for major industry events such as Europort 2025 will shift towards discussions on science, lifestyle, and human capital, aiming to explore steps taken, lessons learned, and the necessary confidence to drive changes towards greater diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector.
