Marina vows support for women in maritime industry

Marina vows support for women in maritime industry
Yashika F. Torib May 25, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/05/25/business/maritime/marina-vows-sup...

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) declared its full support for all women working in the maritime industry during the celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime.

Marina Administrator Robert Empedrad stated that the agency opened a separate office to support gender and development to encourage their women employees to be at their best and address their concerns.

"Gender and development are alive here. In Marina, [women] are treated fairly," Empedrad said.

He also congratulated the female workforce in the sector for doing their best and facing the challenges head-on in an industry dominated by men.

"I'd like to congratulate the women all over the archipelago sa maritime industry. Alam ko na nagpe-perform kayo similar to what your counterparts are doing. I am encouraging all the females to keep on pushing and tell the whole world that you're equally capable with your male counterpart," he said.

The administrator also called on women to join the maritime sector as he guaranteed that Marina will support them.

"Now, the opportunities for females are present. I'd like to encourage our women in maritime to go out there to serve. I know there are problems but don't worry, we're here to support you. Just call us, and we will do everything we can to ensure that your problems are properly acted upon by the Marina," Empedrad pledged.

Based on records, there are approximately 59,251 female seafarers registered under the Marina Integrated Seafarers Management Online (Mismo) System.

Women empowerment for all

The International Day for Women in Maritime celebration marks the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Resolution A. 1770 (32) proclaiming every 18th of May as the International Day for Women in Maritime.

Marina Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Villamor-Dinopol stated that the celebration was not only for the women in maritime but also for everyone who serves as a "catalyst of change, equalit, and empowerment."

"Women are an integral part of the maritime workforce, contributing to the success of shipping lines, ports, onshore services, and more. There is ample evidence that the countries with more gender equality have better economic growth which implies that the equality for women means progress for all," Dinopol expressed.

"We believe in creating a society and a work environment where men and women can realize their full potential without being limited by discrimination," she added.

The topics for this year's celebration revolved around gender equality, breaking barriers, and a workplace that is inclusive of diverse participation by all.

Resource speakers and panelists from different entities in the country's maritime sector tackled the realities of women amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the barriers women face in terms of employment in the industry.

The panel discussions were led by resource speakers Archipelago Philippine Ferries Inc.'s Mary Ann Pastrana, and Commodore Mitzie Silva-Campo, the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) first female commodore from its rank of general line officers.

In 2021, the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming every 18th of May as the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime. The day will be observed annually to celebrate women in the industry and promote the recruitment, retention, and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, raise the profile of women in maritime, strengthen IMO's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and support work to address the current gender imbalance in maritime.