The sea is also for women

“We’ve always done it this way.”

Yes, these are the words we usually hear when we want to break stereotypes and change things.

When people are afraid to alter their roles and are fearful of the possible outcomes when confronted with change, the opportunities stop flowing and people stop growing. Men have always been certain about their roles in the employment field, but now women are steering to progress through job diversity and leveling the field.

Happy Women’s Month, my dearest female readers! Not only this month, but every day we celebrate the strength of women in all fields and branches of service. Women are the real OG when it comes to breaking barriers and fostering inclusive environments beyond the stereotypes.

Did you know that women represent only about two percent of the world’s maritime workforce? According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), there is a very small percentage of women in operational roles such as port management and engineering in a world dominated by men.

Of course, we cannot deny that women in the maritime sector are still underrepresented in a man’s world of stevedores, sailors, pilotage, port calls and tugboats, but the good news is that things are shifting towards gender equality and roles collaboration.

When I went to Le Havre, France to study port operations and management, surprisingly I saw more women actively engaging in the maritime sector (Oo la la). Shout-out to Claire Ploneis, the head of the Institute for Teaching and Port Research (IPER), and all my fellow female port executives from different parts of the world (Mai, Mouna, Natashia, Ulzi, Camelia, Celia, Fatoumata, Zora and Aissa) who are continuously breaking the barriers and challenging the stereotypes. Happy Women’s Month!

It’s a good thing there is an IMO Women Maritime program which the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) adheres to for better female representation in this traditionally male dominated sector. In the PPA, there are more than 2,000 female workers hired to balance the ecosystem and make the workplace gender inclusive. It is part of the initiatives of PPA general manager Jay Santiago to provide a level field for the men and women professionals.

Consisting of female architects, engineers, harbor masters, accountants, and executives, there is no barrier indeed to what women can do when it comes to leadership and excellence. They only need an opportunity to break the chains and excel. This is achievable by promoting a culture of diversity.

As we all know, ports play a huge role in the economic activities of a country as they serve as the gateway for trade and logistics to the world. The work at the ports and in the maritime industry usually involve rigorous labor and technical demands making it a difficult environment for women to enter and thrive in.

Here’s good news. In the maritime sector, we are witnessing an evolutionary shift where women are being given a chance to prove their abilities. Women are a driving force for streamlining operations and enhancing port services while maintaining a nurturing environment.

In fact, one good example is the Port of Antwerp, the second largest in Europe, that has initiated programs to hire more women starting at the maritime schools. Things are definitely changing for the better. There should be no shortage of opportunities for women to prove their worth at work. Countries like Canada, Norway, and the Philippines are increasing training for more women in operational and managerial roles at the ports.

This women’s month should not just be a one-month celebration but rather a call to action. While changes are being made in the maritime industry to embrace diversity and gender equality, let us in our own capacities break the stereotypes and create more equal opportunities in the workforce that will be the driver of national and economic development.

After all, the maritime industry can only move forward and be future ready if men and women work together and join forces toward one goal. The journey to a level field and gender equality is a long one but we’re already there. Let us keep going with every woman on board who rises to break the stigma, for we are all in the same boat!

Happy Women’s Month!