NMP's Manifesto paves the way for inclusivity in the maritime sector

NMP's Manifesto paves the way for inclusivity in the maritime sector
May 31, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/31/business/maritime/nmps-manifesto-...

IN a historic display of unity and commitment toward promoting gender equality and women empowerment, key stakeholders in the Philippine maritime industry embraced the "Manifesto of Commitment Toward a Barrier-Free Environment for Filipino Women in Maritime."

The manifesto was adopted during the Virtual Maritime Stakeholders Forum organized by the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) on May 18, in celebration of International Day for Women in Maritime.

This is also in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) theme, "Mobilizing Networks for Gender Equality."

The manifesto of commitment recognizes the myriad challenges that limit the full potential and participation of women in the maritime industry, which significantly impact the growth, development and creation of a pathway to a sustainable future in the industry. It aims to promote a culture of inclusivity and respect so that Filipino women can participate fully, safely and without hindrance in pursuing their chosen careers in the maritime industry.

The signatories of the manifesto pledged to take concrete actions to promote gender equality and women empowerment, including ensuring that Filipino women are given equal opportunities in education, training, recruitment, compensation, capacity-building and career advancement.

They also pledged to work collaboratively to strengthen policies and measures to protect the well-being of Filipino women in the maritime sector and to eliminate discrimination and any form of gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

The manifesto also seeks to improve the visibility of Filipino women contributing to the maritime industry by encouraging them to take up leadership positions and actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect the industry.

It aims to encourage networking and sharing of best practices with other women in the industry.

The manifesto also sought to sustain efforts in collecting, consolidating and analyzing data regarding the participation of Filipino women in the maritime sector to set baselines, quantify, and track the progress of programs and initiatives toward a barrier-free environment for Filipino women in the maritime industry.

The signing of the manifesto was a significant milestone in the Philippine maritime industry's journey toward creating a barrier-free environment for Filipino women. It is a collective endeavor endorsed by a diverse range of esteemed institutions and organizations.

Among the signatories are government agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Labor and Employment, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Other signatories came from maritime education and training institutions, including the NMP, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers Inc. and Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions, shipping companies and crewing agencies that include the Joint Manning Group, Filipino Association for Mariners' Employment Inc., Filipino Shipowners' Association, Association of Licensed Manning Agencies Maritime Group, and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council.

Lending support were maritime associations and organizations Women in Maritime Philippines, Associated Marine Officers and Seaman's Union of the Philippines, International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (Iswan)-Philippines, International Labor Organization (ILO)-Philippines and Maritime Journalists Association of the Philippines Inc.