By Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen

According to data compiled by the International Transport Workers’ Federation, women make up fewer than 2% of the worldwide maritime workforce. It has become symbolic in a community that regards sailing and maritime-related occupations as male-dominated. Women in the maritime industry should break the glass ceiling with grace and work together to change the social and cultural bias against them.

One of the obstacles is that we still adhere to unfavourable preconceptions of women. The pursuit of gender equality tops global agendas, as discriminatory behaviours affect the whole globe. Women are brilliant and deserving of recognition if they are given the opportunity to study, work, and serve in the same capacities as men.

As a member state of the International Maritime Organisation, the United Nations specialised agency, Malaysia remains committed to supporting sustainable development to empower women to address the current gender imbalance in the maritime industry.

Working in the maritime profession is a great way to build a long-term career since it is always dynamic, vibrant, and demanding. There are several roles available in the industry. Women are already rising to positions of maritime leadership, but there is still a long way to go before enabling and assuring equality of opportunity for all.

Education and Training

Education and training are thought to have a long-term impact on capacity building in the maritime industry. We must continue to promote gender equality in the industry by ensuring that all women have equal access to education and training at all levels in order to fulfil the expanding demands and future demand for skilled labour in the maritime industry.

The maritime sector is a vast field that welcomes individuals with various backgrounds and talents. A thriving maritime industry necessitates access to a diversified pool of talent, which includes encouraging more women to seek maritime careers. The number of women graduating from maritime programmes at universities and other educational and training institutes has increased.

In line with this realisation, the government should always be committed to collaborating with maritime stakeholders and industry players to provide equal rights and opportunities for all women in order to ensure the sustainability of its ecosystem, as equality in the maritime industry is critical to meeting the needs of future talent.

Improving the network is seen as vital for the qualitative transformation of today’s graduates in order to boost efficiency by providing them with the most recent professional and practical education and skills. All of these initiatives will necessitate inclusion in the industry-academic network. This highlights the significance of industry involvement in improving the present educational system.

Gender Equality

Gender equality must be accomplished today, not tomorrow. By implementing a strategic approach to improving the role of women as major maritime players, Malaysia has indirectly increased its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and support work. It is critical to raise awareness in the maritime community about the necessity of gender equality to enhance the involvement of women in the maritime sector.

It is also important to draw the attention and interest of the younger generation in order to break down gender stereotypes in the maritime industry. It is high time to encourage women to pursue the diverse and rewarding employment opportunities available in the maritime sector. Choosing the right field is critical for future job and avoiding unemployment after graduation. Thus, young women must grab this golden chance to pursue a career in the maritime industry.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen is a senior lecturer at the Maritime Studies Faculty, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and a committee member of the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association, Malaysia.