Gender gap in maritime sector ‘serious’

Gender gap in maritime sector ‘serious’
GENIVI FACTA March 13, 2019 https://www.manilatimes.net/gender-gap-in-maritime-sector-serious/524661/

There is a need to push policy makers and stakeholders to double their efforts in accelerating gender equality in the seafaring industry to develop more prospects and economic gains.

Prof. Lucia Palpal-latoc Tangi, of the Department of Journalism, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication said the gender gap in maritime sector was serious and that stakeholders must ensure that the resources and opportunities were equitably distributed to men and women.

She asked stakeholders in the industry, including crewing agencies, shipowners, to be committed to the sustainable development goals on gender equality and women empowerment.

“Stakeholders must review existing industry policies that promote or perpetuate gender discrimination and other forms of discrimination such as race and age. They must have women empowerment program and impose sanctions on members who discriminate women,” she said during the Women’s Day forum at Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union (Amosup) in Intramuros Manila.

She said government must have legislations on empowerment of seafarers, including sanctions on those who discriminate against women seafarers.

She further said that stakeholders should mind the gap and create an action plan to up women participation. For instance, deployment of women seafarers must increase to 5 percent or 10 percent in five years, from the current 3 percent share.

In 2017, there were 17,101 women seafarers and 432,362 male seafarers. The women seafarers comprised 3.8 percent of the 449,463 total seafarers. Out of the 17,101 women seafarers, 285 were officers, 105 Ratings and 16,711 non marine personnel.

The number of women seafarers in 2017 slightly increased from 15,080 in 2016, which represent 3.41 percent of the 442,820 total seafarers.

Palpal-latoc–Tangi said the gender gap in maritime schools could be attributed to the delay in the opening up of schools to female students.

“Limiting enrollees to males for decades and even almost two centuries in the case of one government school reinforced the belief that maritime courses are only for male students,” she said.

Almost 100 stakeholders were interviewed and participated in the discussion. They noted that government should take seriously the sexual harassment issues.

She urged Filipina seafarers to increase awareness on issues on women by joining organizations, networks, and trade unions and continue to reach out to other women seafarers.

“Filipino women seafarers unite, for you have nothing to lose but your chains!” she said.

Camille Simbulan, Amosup special projects and communications head said in time for the Women’s day celebration, they recognized the women maritime workers who embody Amosup Women’s core values of Respect, Courage, Wisdom, Humility and Service.

“We acknowledge women seafarers who exhibit excellence and inspire other women in their workplace and their communities,” she said, adding that these women were creating an impact in the maritime industry.