Maritime UK Solent has announced a strategic partnership with the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) to support and celebrate women in the region’s maritime industry. The partnership looks to lead, champion, and grow the maritime sector by promoting gender diversity and inclusivity.
Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: “We are excited to partner with WISTA in our joint mission to support women in maritime. This collaboration marks a significant step towards encouraging more women to enter this dynamic industry and to promote the pathways available for them to enter the maritime sector.
“Women in leadership roles are making a significant impact, and it is important that the sector continues to attract the talent it needs for success and that we promote the pathways available for women in maritime.”
WISTA, who is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is an international networking organisation with a mission to attract and support women at the management level in the maritime, trading, and logistics sectors. The partnership will focus on:
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Promoting career pathways for women
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Celebrating women in maritime
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Networking opportunities
Speaking about the collaboration, WISTA UK President Monica Kohli said: “WISTA UK and Maritime UK Solent’s first social gathering in July was a fantastic opportunity for our members to connect, share insights, and celebrate together. We look forward to our collaboration and to the strong community we continue to build together.
“As WISTA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we celebrate the progress we have made and recognise the work that still needs to be done.”
The need for diversification in the maritime sector has been highlighted in two reports:
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Women represent only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce, according to the BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2021 https://www.ics-shipping.org/press-release/new-bimco-ics-seafarer-workforce-report-warns-of-serious-potential-officer-shortage/
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Additional statistics from the IMO report on Women in Maritime show the need for increased female representation and diversity in the industry https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/OurWork/TechnicalCooperation/Documents/women%20in%20maritime/Women%20in%20maritime_survey%20report_high%20res.pdf
