Women,  avail yourselves of the Opening in maritime Industry to better your lots — –  Macfoy

In her opening remarks, the President of Women in Maritime Africa, Mrs Rollens Macfoy disclosed that International Women’s Day  which is an annual event was first celebrated in 1911 and to globally celebrate the social, economic, cultural,and political achievements of women, adding that 8th of March also mark a call to action for accelerating gender professional disparity.

Macfoy, stressed that while the maritime sector controls 90 per cent of the world economy, there is  need for men and women to work together to push the blue economy.

“I categorically say here that, Men need to know that: Real Men treat women with love and respect, as headship is all about love, teaching and watching what you have invested on grow overtime. . This kind of growth and development should bring real joy. So why the descrimination in  Professionalism?

She therefore encouraged women in the Maritime Sector to àvail themselves of the opportunity in the sector and take up jobs that can better their lots adding  that women can be employed to work in the vessels as Managers, cooks, cabin crew and others.

Speaking also, Captain Sunday Michael Umoren, Secretary General Abuja Memorandum of Association (MOU) on Port State Control for West and Central Africa lamented shortage of women in the shipping industry, which has also affected the economy negatively.

However, the Secretary General while speaking at the event  tagged ‘Gender Equality Today for Sustainable Tomorrow’ #Breaking the Bias’ reiterated that the maritime industry is a major driver of the national economy with huge opportunities for women in the sector.

He said that,  “it is  reported world  we have shortages of labour in the Maritime sector, but However posited that there is an opening

‘Maritime Sector Is a well regulated sector and needs to abide with a lot of laws and the spirit of excellence, required knowledgeable and skilled  staff the spirit of excellence will make them outstanding candidate.”

On challenges inhibiting women in the maritime business, he said, “the external aspect will be  the idea that maritime business  is purely for men  and of course even the women themselves tend to believe a lie especially when it is said all over again. But as early as 1750, women have been navigators ,breaking that ceiling. Women have always been there. It is for us to brake the barrier and then move into the new era.

“It is open to all. We have femal captains today. Infact there was a vessel from India last year that all the crew, from Captain down, were female.”