By Ms Priyanka Gupta

On 17th May 2024, Anglo Eastern Ship Management had an honour of celebrating the IMO International Day of Women in Maritime - a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in the maritime sector and promoting the inclusion of women seafarers on-board. The event held in Mumbai at Anglo Eastern Ship Management India’s office in Andheri was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of diversity and acceptance within the maritime community.

Highlights of the event: The event was graced by the presence of ten distinguished guests, including senior male and female merchant navy officers who have made significant contributions to the maritime industry. Their presence underscored the event's inclusive nature and commitment to gender equality.

Theme - Identifying true barriers in acceptance of change: The central theme of the workshop was "Acceptance," reflecting our commitment to creating a safe and an inclusive environment where all seafarer's contributions are valued regardless of gender. This theme resonated throughout the day's activities and discussions.

Activities: The event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring our high ranking executives like Capt Vinay Singh, Mr Vineet Gupta, and also a team of male and female officers of our Wellbeing Team. They shared their personal experiences and challenges in the maritime industry, highlighting the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true gender equality.

A unique and engaging exercise was conducted where each seafarer present at the event was asked to share their perspectives and attitudes towards the role of women in maritime. This exercise was aimed to gather a diverse range of viewpoints and provide a deeper understanding among participants.

Following the collection of perspectives, a reflection session was held. Each perspective shared was thoughtfully analysed and discussed, providing a platform for open dialogue and mutual learning. This session was instrumental in promoting empathy and acceptance among the attendees.

Networking opportunity:  The event also provided ample opportunities for networking, allowing participants to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that would support the on-going promotion of women in maritime roles. Both the shore and ship staff connected to greet and further reflect on the future goals of the maritime industry.

Key takeaways:  (1) The maritime industry has made significant strides in embracing gender diversity, but there is still much work to be done. (2) Acceptance and inclusion are crucial for creating a supportive environment where women can thrive in maritime careers. (3) Open discussions and sharing of perspectives can lead to greater understanding and empathy among seafarers of all genders. (4) Continuous efforts and commitment from both male and female leaders in the industry are essential to drive change and promote equality.

Our Wellbeing team orchestrated this remarkable event aimed at strengthening the bond between our shore staff and ship crew. This event was not only a testament to our commitment to building trust and connection within the industry but also a celebration of the passionate individuals who make our operations successful. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the selfie booth. This creative addition turned out to be a focal point of enjoyment and camaraderie. Both the shore team and ship staff gathered around the booth, capturing memories and moments of joy.

These efforts are vital in creating passionate people who are dedicated to maintaining the high standards of Anglo-Eastern, both onshore and offshore. This inclusive approach is essential in creating a cohesive and motivated workforce, which ultimately translates into happier and more efficient ships. Anglo-Eastern is proud to be leading the way in promoting gender equality in the maritime space and look forward to continuing our efforts to support the development of women in this field.

​​​​​​​(The author of this article is based in Mumbai, and serves Anglo Eastern Ship Management India as HR Director – Crew Management)