New report by Maritime SheEO highlights Progress and Challenges in Gender Equality within India’s Maritime Industry
MUMBAI : A new report, titled the “Survey on Gender Equality in Indian Maritime Industry (2024),” has been released on August 12th, shedding light on the significant strides and ongoing challenges for women in the Indian maritime sector over the past five years. The report is developed by Maritime SheEO,with financial support from the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mumbai. This survey is a follow-up to a survey conducted in 2019.
The report was formally launched at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai, in presence of Capt. Daniel J Joseph (Nautical Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General of Shipping), Consul General Bart de Jong and Deputy Consul General, Thierry van Helden.
The key findings highlights progress and persistent challenges faced by women in the maritime sector. Since 2019, female participation in the sector in India has witnessed a substantial growth. Notably, the representation of women CEOs has surged from 3.9% in 2019 to 21.4% in 2024. Similarly, the adoption of gender-neutral practices by companies has also risen from 80% to 92.7%, reflecting the industry’s efforts toward greater inclusivity. However, the report highlights that despite these advancements, challenges remain. The rate of women seafarers has seen only a marginal increase, from 89% in 2019 to 89.5% in 2024, signalling the need for more targeted interventions in this area. Additionally, while adherence to global standards like the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles has climbed from 25% to 89.3%, inconsistencies in the application of these practices underline the need for clearer communication and enhanced support mechanisms.
A Call for Continued Action
The report underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and job opportunities for women across the maritime sector. It calls for specific actions to address the barriers to career advancement and the creation of more inclusive workplaces, particularly in seafaring roles.
Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, the founder of Maritime SheEO, stated, “Despite the industry’s crucial role in the nation’s economy and global trade, women remain significantly underrepresented in key maritime roles, both onshore and offshore. With this report, we aim to delve into the challenges faced by women in the Indian maritime sector, analyse the existing gender gaps, and propose strategies to promote gender equality and empower women within this vital industry.”
Mr. Bart de Jong, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai said “The Netherlands has been an advocate of gender equality, including the maritime sector. Various initiatives and policies have contributed to a rise in the number of women working in this field. We are happy to support Maritime SheEO’s recent study on women’s participation in the maritime sector in India. It reflects a significant progress made in gender diversity in this crucial industry.”
He also added that “The findings of the study indicate a positive trend, with more women entering and contributing to the maritime workforce, suggesting a shift towards greater inclusivity. However, it also highlights the challenges, particularly in career advancement and workplace inclusivity, which hinder full and equitable participation”
Continuing to address these issues will be essential to ensure sustained progress and create a more equitable environment for female professionals in the maritime sector, suggested Mr. De Jong.
The Maritime SheEO Conference 2024
The findings of this report will have a dedicated panel at the Maritime SheEO Conference 2024 in Mumbai, where industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders will gather to explore strategies for promoting gender equality in the maritime sector.
Download the Report
The full report, along with case studies from industry leaders like Mrs. H.K. Joshi, Bhagyashree Ogale, and companies such as Synergy Marine Group, Seaspan Corporation , and Anglo-Eastern, is available for download on our website: https://maritimesheeo.com/research/