With this year’s campaign theme for International Women’s Day being Inspire Inclusion, we wanted to hear from individuals and HR professionals regarding their thoughts and insights surrounding inclusion within the maritime industry.
Temi Binitie
Business Development Director, The Seafarers’ Charity
Is the maritime industry doing enough to ensure the recruitment, retainment and development of female talent?
The maritime industry needs to do more to recruit, retain, and develop future talent, which includes female talent. It can be as simple as signposting a potential career in the industry to recruit, create an inclusive environment where equity is prioritised to retain and lastly showcasing role models to highlight development opportunities.
Do you think there are enough practices in place within the maritime industry to support women throughout their career and into leadership roles?
Sincerely, no. The maritime industry has to be better at fostering inclusivity. The maritime culture is underpinned largely by white, European, male ideologies and biases. Until this changes, women will continue to play catch up. One of my best friends, who is outside of the industry commented that the leadership in maritime industry was generally “male, pale and stale”.
Do you think the maritime industry needs more infrastructure to support women’s needs?
I don’t think this is a unique problem to the maritime industry. There is a generic ‘motherhood penalty’, which is worse if you are a black or minoritised woman – a mother can suffer up to a 34% decrease in salary after the birth of a child compared to a woman who does not have children. The cost of childcare is steadily increasing, against a backdrop of declining numbers of childcare providers in the last 3 years.
At the other end of the spectrum we have the menopause, which still feels like a tabooed topic not to mention in the workplace. The Fawcett Society research found that eight out of ten women said their employer hasn’t shared information, trained staff, or put in place a menopause absence policy. I am proud to share that my employer has done the opposite and has provided menopause training!
When was a time when you felt included within your workplace?
Right now. The Seafarers’ Charity is an exemplary EDI Leader and one which maritime companies should look to emulate or lean on to bolster their EDI ambitions. The Seafarers’ Charity is at the centre of an ecosystem of support in the maritime welfare sector. We are proud of not shying away from complex and under-discussed issues in the maritime sector. We are bold and looking to partner with corporates to influence their approach to EDI. Together, we can inspire and effect inclusion in the maritime industry.
Monica Kohli
Senior Lawyer, Gard UK – President, WISTA UK
Is the maritime industry doing enough to ensure the recruitment, retainment and development of female talent?
We have seen a change in recent years, especially in recruitment and developing careers for women at sea.
Do you think there are enough practices in place within the maritime industry to support women throughout their career and into leadership roles?
We are seeing a gap in getting women back to work after a career break/or when they take a maternity break.
Do you think the maritime industry needs more infrastructure to support women’s needs?
It does, but sometimes simple steps like normalising working from home assists in getting women in all stages able to stay at work.
When was a time when you felt included within your workplace?
Mentoring is very useful and important in making people feel heard and also guiding in the intricacies of corporate life. Even when sailing, sometimes having a guide assist in just getting through a tough time.
Anonymous
Is the maritime industry doing enough to ensure the recruitment, retainment and development of female talent?
No. Certain sectors within the industry have better female representation (HR, legal, insurance etc.) but overall is limited to middle management and below.
Do you think there are enough practices in place within the maritime industry to support women throughout their career and into leadership roles?
No. There is still a tendency to be dismissive of women, especially surrounding maternity leave.
Do you think the maritime industry needs more infrastructure to support women’s needs?
Yes, most companies do the bare minimum required of them in terms of local law, few go over and above or provide proper support.
When was a time when you felt included within your workplace?
I am included and I’m on various committees etc. but this is very much because my personality pushes it through. Too often women who are more introverted are considered not to be ambitious/interested in development and written off.
Anonymous
Is the maritime industry doing enough to ensure the recruitment, retainment and development of female talent?
I would like to acknowledge the effort made to support female talent. However, I also believe this will never be enough given the male dominated nature of the maritime industry.
Do you think there are enough practices in place within the maritime industry to support women throughout their career and into leadership roles?
I think there are professional groups that reinforce female professionals to chase leading careers; WISTA is one of the most powerful communities we have.
Do you think the maritime industry needs more infrastructure to support women’s needs?
Definitely. Our nature does impact our work performance even when this has to do with the simply monthly period we need to deal with.
When was a time when you felt included within your workplace?
I current experience this inclusion of being mentored and part of a committee and only appreciate it.
