We salute all females in the industry
IT IS my pleasure to be part of this year’s World Maritime Day celebration under the theme, ‘Empowering Women in the Maritime Community’. The evidence is clear – empowerment of women means progress for all. For years the maritime sector has been a male-dominated space with women holding clerical roles. The 21st century started with some changes to this bastion, but not without various challenges.
In April 2015, a network of over 60 female maritime professionals from 14 different countries in the Caribbean came together and formed an association geared to bringing about some changes for females in the maritime sector. Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) was formed under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
WiMAC is committed to transforming the lives and status of women through education, mentorship, empowerment and enabling opportunities which focus on some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s IMO theme places emphasis on SDG5 Gender Equality which also enables SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
When women are given the opportunity to become empowered, countries will experience economic growth, better legislation on key social issues such as healthcare, education, anti-discrimination and child support.
Today, on World Maritime Day, WiMAC will be fulfilling one of the association’s mandates with the launch of its mentorship programme, geared to helping females who desire to enter the shipping industry or those who are already in the industry and still seeking to find their footing as they navigate their career path.
WiMAC Jamaica Chapter salutes all the females in the industry who have made inroads in this male-dominated arena. NICOLE WICKHAM President, Local Chapter, WiMAC