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Navigating shipping & maritime HR with expert industry insights
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IWD25 – How is the industry doing?
This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the voices of CEOs, Directors, and Executive Leaders as they share their insights on the evolving maritime industry. With women still making up only around 30% of the workforce, progress toward gender equality continues—but there’s more to be done. We spoke with industry trailblazers about the initiatives in place to support women, the changes still needed to achieve true gender parity, and how the industry is adapting to attract and retain female talent.
Join us as we hear from Josephine Le, MD & Founder of The Hood Platform, on her perspective and experiences in shaping a more inclusive maritime sector.
How has the maritime industry changed when it comes to the attraction and retention of women in the sector?
The maritime industry has made notable progress in attracting and retaining women, though challenges persist. Recent data indicates that women constitute approximately 29% of the overall maritime workforce, with about 2% serving as seafarers. Initiatives by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have been pivotal. The IMO’s “Women in Maritime” program promotes gender equality through gender-specific fellowships and policies ensuring equitable, safe, and decent working conditions. Companies like Maersk, BW etc have also contributed to progress by offering improved maternity leave policies and other equality initiatives.
Have you put any practices in place to support women and their progression into leadership/advancement within their career?
As our platform is under development, we intend to create a Sisterhood chapter under the Hood to connect each female professional with a more experienced mentor to assist them with their career paths. We are also talking to multiple organizations to redesign a better career path for female seafarers to accommodate their biological and social journey through family commitments and motherhood. Hopefully, the industry will come together and embrace a new path for female seafarers, not just a fragmented initiative.
What do you think still needs to change when it comes to achieving gender parity in maritime?
I think the industry needs to address both structural and cultural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation and advancement. Let’s start with implementing comprehensive anti-discrimination policies and fostering an inclusive culture. Next, companies must focus on enhancing Safety and Reporting Mechanisms against harassment and assault. We also need to improve on-board facilities for women such as appropriately sized personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate sanitary provisions, and finally, better working arrangements and supportive policies for women to achieve work-life balance.