Women make approximately 4 per cent of the total number of staff working at the Fijian Government Shipping Services.

According to Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya this is above the international benchmark for women involvement in the maritime services.

“I am proud to say, of the 132 staff at the Fijian Government Shipping Services, approximate 4 per cent are women, which is above the international benchmark of women involvement in maritime service,” Mr Koya said during the Women in Maritime Day in Suva last week.

“They are Marine Officer II (Chief Mate), Engine Watch Rating, Captains and Cadets on Deck-Watch,” he said.

“We even have women holding prominent roles in Maritime and Shipping Policy in the public sector.

“The shipping industry carries approximately 90 per cent of world trade, which is crucial for the survival of the global economy.

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, disruptions in shipping schedules have created havoc for countries.

“There is shortage of basic supplies, such as food and essential items. I raise this point to show you the importance of shipping and the role of all those involved in the industry play.

“Today is not only a special day for women in maritime, we also acknowledge their contribution to the industry.”

Maritime or the shipping industry has been dominated by men, for centuries.

However, recently women are getting more involved in this industry.

Of the 1.2 million seafarers, 24,000 or 2 per cent are women, mainly in cruise services.

“It is therefore my hope, that in the very near future as we continue to recognise this special day, we can see the 2 per cent mark increase.”

Meanwhile Day for Women in Maritime according Women in Maritime Fiji (WIM(Fiji)) is commonly referred to as D4WIM.

D4WIM is a Pacific initiative that recognizes specifically all women in the maritime sector contributing to the advocacy of raising the profile of women.

“This year’s theme Sustainable Workforce in Promoting Equal Opportunity for Pacific Women in Maritime gives rise to the significant involvement and participation of women in key decision-making roles in the workplace,” WIMA (Fiji) president Jane Koi said.

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