Speakers at a high-level panel discussion in London praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership to encourage women in the maritime industry, including inducting women in the marine academy.
The event titled “Empowering Women in Maritime and Oceans Diplomacy” was organized by Bangladesh High Commission, London at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday, said a press release on Friday.
High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, in her capacity of the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the IMO and the President of the Women in Diplomacy Network (WDN), London chaired the discussion participated and attended by over 100 delegates, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Permanent Representatives to the IMO, senior officials and experts.
Highlighting the lower visibility of women in the global maritime industry, the high commissioner said that among the 1.2 million certified seafarers worldwide, women represent only 1.28%.
Similarly, women constitute only 2% of the crewing workforce in the cruise industry.
"Due to the prime minister's visionary leadership, over 100 female seafarers and mariners are recruited annually for a range of roles, including navigation officers, marine engineers, and even senior management positions such as captain," Tasneem said.
These transformative efforts have made a significant impact in promoting gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry, she added.
The envoy expressed the strong commitment of the WDN to working in close collaboration with the IMO Secretariat, fellow members of the IMO, the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International), Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs), and leading shipping industry associations including BIMCO to promote gender equality and to amplify the voices of women in the maritime sector.
A documentary prepared by the Bangladesh High Commission, London on the contribution of women mariners and seafarers in Bangladesh as well as globally was shown at the event that drew special attention and praise from the participants.
