At the MaritimeShEO Conference held on November 15, 2024, at the Taj Santacruz in Mumbai, Monica Nagelgaard, Consul General, The Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Mumbai, stressed in her keynote address the importance of women’s rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
She explained how Norway, world’s fifth largest maritime nation, has bridged the gender gap with policies like generous parental leave, affordable childcare, and a strong focus on work-life balance have enabled women to partake in work life on equal terms as men.
“In 1920, the industry employed over 60,000 people, of which the majority were men. Women’s participation in the Norwegian workforce is generally high, and our country is a leader bridging the global gender gap. As of 2022, women’s participation in the Norwegian workforce is at around 70% of women employed compared to 76% of men”, she said.
She highlighted that challenges like gender wage gaps are part of the work in the maritime industry as has a female representation of just 21%. The gender division is particularly large at sea, where only one in 10 maritime workers is a woman. On a global scale, women make up only 2% of seafarers. These figures highlight the significant gender gap that still exists in the sector, underscoring the long journey ahead toward greater equality and inclusion. Women also generally earn less than men in the maritime sector.
The female average income is 82% of the male average income in this sector. In Norway, the fact that women in the maritime sector earn less than men in the maritime sector means that women in the maritime sector earn less than men in the maritime sector, which is traditionally been male-dominated is evident. Working conditions in terms of equipment and uniforms are designed for men, and has been pointed out as one of several reasons why there are not more women in the maritime industry.
So, what is Norway doing in this area to improve the conditions? She said, “A gender-divided labour market is recognized as a significant challenge, and the Norwegian government is committed to bridging this gap across all sectors. This effort is part of a broader mission for an equal society, and for the development, of a society where everyone enjoys the same opportunities and the freedom to make their own choices regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or religion. “
She said that new funding has been launched specifically on gender equality within the maritime sector last year. Four key focus areas are identified as important for this work, including recruitment and role models for women to see the maritime industry as an attractive career, a workplace for all, promoting an including environment, and a work environment free from harassment, ensuring zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and bias. And finally, an adaptable workplace which includes more flexible solutions for maternity and parental leave that make more women remain in the maritime industry.
“For an international industry that recruits from around the world, achieving gender equality in the maritime sector requires actions not only within Norway, but also globally. A significant portion of the crew on Norwegian vessels come from India, which is the third-largest provider of seafarers worldwide, accounting for nearly 10% of the global maritime workers. However, women represent just 0.5% of this workforce” she said.
She said that in order to meet the industry’s demand for skilled and motivated seafarers, it is crucial to recruit women in countries like India to join the maritime industry. Our goal is to collaborate closely with India on advancing gender equality in the maritime sector.
