Women make up only 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce, highlighting how few female maritime workers there are.
Norway is calling for more women in the global maritime workforce, where women currently make up only about 1.2% of seafarers. The message was highlighted at a recent event in the Philippines.
Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Lyster said gender equality at sea is both about fairness and solving skills shortages. He noted that more women than ever are starting to shape the sector.
The event featured maritime leaders linked to Norway and the Philippines. Speakers included Knut Benzrod of the Norwegian Training Center, Mailyn Borillo of OSM Thome Philippines, and Daryl Sevilleno of Solstad Management Philippines.
The Norwegian Training Center in the Philippines has awarded more than 490 scholarships to female seafarers since 1993. The centre focuses on leadership and technical skills and wants more young women to see seafaring as a career option.
Panelists called for company policies that support long careers for women, including safe working conditions and options to move into shore-based roles. Norway and its Philippine partners aim to make the maritime industry more inclusive and better able to use all available talent.