Calls for More Training Opportunities for Women in Maritime Sector
Fiji Women in Maritime Association (Fiji WIMA) is calling for more genuine and meaningful collaboration in developing programmes to enhance training opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
Fiji WIMA President Jane Koi said women represent only 1.2 percent of the global seafarer workforce hence the call for more training opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
She said increasing the participation of women in the maritime workforce is key to achieving gender equality.
“The ocean is a vital part of our global economy. But it’s also an ecosystem that’s in peril as human activity continues to degrade the ocean,” she said.
“To help protect the ocean, we need to understand its complex systems and take action to achieve sustainable stocks.
“To do this, we must all do our part. As women we must ensure that we contribute to keeping our oceans healthy through sustainable fishing.”
In commemorating World Fisheries Day this year, Mrs Koi said it was reminder that solutions are needed to drive changes for women in the maritime sector.
“It is not a one-size fits all situation. It requires legislative changes, a change in workplaces practices and of course a change in perceptions, concerning women’s participation in the maritime sector,” said Mrs Koi.
Mrs Koi has also applauded the actions taken by leaders regionally under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific continent.
She said as an association, they welcome the commitment by Pacific leaders in protecting the sovereignty and jurisdiction over the maritime zones and resources.
“As well as committing to investing in and strengthening partnerships and regional regulatory arrangement to support transport and information, technology services and infrastructure.”