Women at the helm, navigating the future

DURING my first year as Norway’s ambassador to the Philippines, I have met many of the outstanding cadets under the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s (NSA) cadetship program. In Davao, Cebu and Batangas, I met the new generation seafarers preparing for a future on board Norwegian ships and becoming part of the global maritime sector. Most cadets were male, but some were also bright, dedicated and hardworking female cadets. These encounters made me wonder: How can we work to increase the number of “she-farers?”

Gender, like all other issues, is a constant work in progress in Norway, the Philippines and the rest of the world. Norway is continuously working for a greater gender-equal and inclusive world.

Therefore, we have now taken a step further in our efforts toward creating a greater gender-equal and inclusive world. Our new action plan for women’s rights and gender equality in Norway’s foreign and development policy (2023-2030) outlines concrete measures that Norway will take both domestically and globally. It aims to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly Goal 5, on women’s rights and gender equality.

Norway maintains a comprehensive approach. We are living in a postpandemic era, with raging wars and the dire need for humanitarian assistance in several parts of the world. Norway has therefore strengthened its existing action plans on women, peace, and security and efforts for women in humanitarian settings. We also integrate a gender perspective and women participation in many aspects of policy work and projects on the national, regional and global level. It is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do.

This leads us to the maritime sector, one of the cornerstones of the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Norway. The maritime sector is a testament to our collective heritage and a vital economic engine. In this context, it is crucial to acknowledge that despite significant progress, we still have a way to go in closing the gender gap within this industry.

Norway is one of the countries with the highest gender equality in the world. We still, however, have a labor market with professions and sectors that continue to be characterized by gender segregation. The Norwegian maritime sector is one example, with women accounting for just 21 percent of the overall workforce and 11 percent on board ships. But there is reason to believe that this will change.

To address this imbalance, the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has developed a Gender Equality Strategy for the Maritime Sector. This strategy aims to harness the full potential of the workforce, fostering a more inclusive and innovative maritime industry. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of safety, fairness, equal opportunities and a positive working environment.

To achieve this vision, four key focus areas have been identified: recruitment and role models, a working environment that benefits everyone, a harassment-free workplace and an adaptable work environment. These building blocks will pave the way for a more equal and inclusive maritime industry.

While the government plays a crucial role in promoting such initiatives, it is essential that the industry itself takes the lead in implementing change. Governments and industry must work hand in hand to achieve a more gender-balanced maritime industry.

Through the NSA cadetship program in the Philippines, significant strides in promoting gender diversity have been achieved by awarding an increasing percentage of scholarships to women in maritime education and training. Currently, out of 1,277 cadets, 199 are female, representing approximately 15.5 percent of the total, surpassing the global average. The Norwegian Training Center (NTC) in the Philippines actively supports gender equality in the maritime industry and marks International Women’s Day annually.

Last year, I took part when they discussed the challenges faced by women in the maritime industry — including reproductive health and shipboard conditions for female crew members — and viable solutions to these issues. Today, I will again mark this important day together with the NTC focusing on enhancing women’s leadership roles within the sector.

The NTC has also initiated a gender mainstreaming program aimed at educating cadets and industry practitioners about policies that promote women’s safe and effective involvement in maritime activities, emphasizing the importance of gender, mental health and well-being at sea. The program intends to create a respectful and safe environment for women, fostering their leadership and addressing gender disparities. However, there is still a lot of work to be done.

The international nature of the maritime sector necessitates that it remains competitive and adapts to the green and digital transitions. By embracing gender equality, we can ensure that the industry attracts the best talent from both women and men.

Let us work together to close the gender gap within the global maritime community. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all who contribute to this vital sector.

Happy International Women’s Day!