The second survey to gather important baseline data about women's participation in maritime, and monitor how well gender equality is evolving, has been launched by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and WISTA International.
The aim is to analyse trends within the female workforce at sea and support the creation of programmes and policies designed to boost women's participation in maritime; ensure a safe working environment; and ultimately to make careers at sea are more attractive, diverse and inclusive.
The research includes two surveys: a shipping industry one for HR departments in shipping companies, non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations, and private maritime training institutes or academies; and another one for nominated representatives known as 'Survey Focal Points' from countries who are IMO member states. They will collect the required information from the different entities or departments within their government.
The Women in Maritime Survey is run every three years to obtain baseline data on the number of women in maritime and oceans fields and the positions they occupy. The first 2021 survey found women made up only one fifth of the workforce in the maritime authorities surveyed and that more needed to be done to encourage women to take up maritime careers, particularly in technical roles. Part of the problem then however, was the low response rate. Only 38% of the 174 member states responded partially due to Covid-19 or they did not hold the information asked, so the IMO was hoping conditions would improve for the 2024 survey.
The results of the second survey will be published in May 2025. The surveys support the implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by establishing comparable data which can be used to assist in creating programmes and proposing policies that will increase the participation of women in maritime.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: 'Join me in championing diversity and fostering a barrier free workplace for all by completing the survey, which will allow for a more targeted use of resources and ensure that we are well placed to navigate the challenges that the future brings.'
WISTA International president Elpi Petraki said the survey should be seen as 'more than just a data collection effort. It is a strategic move towards the evolution of our industry. The insights gathered can be used to develop forward thinking policies that will elevate inclusion and diversity.'
The second survey will run from September to 31 December 2024.
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Image: Nautilus Council member Jessica Tyson at the 2023 General Meeting, presenting what is now a resolution commiting the Union to supporting the yacht sector.
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