International Day for Women in Maritime is celebrated annually on 18th May. This day was established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to recognise and promote the important contributions of women within the maritime industry. Traditionally a male-dominated field, the day helps to highlight the significant roles that women play in the maritime sector, from shipping to logistics, ports to boatbuilding.
The day aims to promote gender equality and encourage more women to pursue careers in maritime. Whilst bringing our attention to the challenges women face in the industry, such as gender biases, limited career advancement opportunities, and the need for more inclusive policies, it also aims to highlight the opportunities for women to thrive and lead in a plethora of maritime-based roles.
- The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) estimates there are around 1.2 million seafarers globally
- Of these, roughly 2% are women, although they have a higher representation in the cruise industry
- The first female Captain of the Indian Merchant Navy is Radhika Menon. Appointed in 2012, she became the first woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea
As the founder of Boatbuilding News and Operations Director of Navis Consulting, the STR Group’s dedicated niche maritime brand, Hollie Smith is keen to highlight, elevate and promote women in the boatbuilding industry. Women make up a small but growing percentage of this workforce, and while comprehensive statistics specific to boatbuilding are scarce, it’s estimated that women represent around 5-10% of the workforce in related maritime sectors.
Hollie recently became a mentor for Women in Boatbuilding, a platform created to support and inspire women working in the boatbuilding industry. She volunteered after she saw a social media post advertising the scheme.
She explains: “It’s a fact that the marine industry is male-dominated. At surface level everyone appreciates this but actually when you get right into the industry the smallest details impact female engagement. There is insufficient uniform available for female boatbuilders. It’s a struggle to buy gloves for hands small enough for a female. The work trousers are cut for men. These are all details that although seem negligible, add up to a significant barrier for women to enter these roles.
“The shipyards I walk round often don’t even have facilities for females to use. These are the practical barriers, but another powerful deterrent is that there aren’t many significant female role models in this space. It’s the classic ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’.
“I’ve got three girls, and I want them to grow up thinking any opportunity is as open to them as it would be if they were male. It’s very similar to a personal experience I had recently when I asked a well-known sports shop to point me in the right direction of the girl’s football shorts. They didn’t exist. I had my girls with me at the time and I had to explain to them why you could buy boys football shorts but not girls.”
It seems incredible that in 2024, these inequalities are still in evidence and effecting girls and women in all areas of their lives, from careers to sport.
Women are making valuable contributions to the maritime and boatbuilding industry, bringing diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and a focus on sustainability. Continued support and initiatives are vital to further increase their representation and impact in this field, which is why the work of organisations from the sizeable IMO to the smaller Women in Building are indispensable.
Do you want to work for a business that supports you career aspiration, no matter what? With a dedicated EDI Board, the STR Group provides an inclusive environment where all our welcome and supported in their individual goals. Contact Iona at iona@strgroup.co.uk and find out about our current opportunities, or visit our careers page.
