Seafaring is a male-dominated profession. At The Seafarers’ Charity we believe that the welfare and support needs of women who work at sea are as important as those of their male colleagues and should not be ignored or neglected just because they are in a minority.
According to the BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report women represent only 1.2% (24,059) of the currently active global seafarer workforce with the majority working in the cruise and yachting sector with very few women working on cargo vessels.
In 2022 The Seafarers’ Charity funded the Seafarers’ International Research Centre at Cardiff University to delve deeper into the real-life experiences of women working onboard male dominated cargo ships. The Port Based Welfare Needs of Women Seafarers is qualitative research which shares the experiences of 30 women working on cargo ships. Using their own voices and direct quotes from the women, the research reveals a multitude of ways that women are made to feel excluded within the work environment; causing them to feel isolated and vulnerable onboard and fearful of sexual assault and harassment at their place of work.
Photo kindly provided by IMO.
Below are some of the initiatives we are proud to fund, all aimed at improving the welfare and support for women working at sea:
Women in Transport Equity Index 2024
The second annual Women in Transport Equity Index Survey has served as a global benchmark for tracking diversity and equity in the transport sector, offering critical insights into gender representation, inclusion and workforce diversity.
At The Seafarers’ Charity, we are proud to be a gold sponsor of this initiative, which will provide a comprehensive analysis of gender diversity in transport. By highlighting key challenges and progress, it aims to inspire further action to empower women in the maritime industry and beyond. It will also equip those driving change with the evidence needed to advance equity, foster growth and create meaningful improvements.
ISWAN Allyship Campaign
The ISWAN’s ‘Safe at Sea… it takes all of us!’ campaign, co-funded by The Seafarers’ Charity in partnership with UK P&I Club, aims to raise awareness of the personal safety challenges faced by women in the shipping, cruise, and superyacht industries. The campaign focuses on the importance of allyship and the role male seafarers can play in making life at sea safer for all.
For further insights, listen to the latest episode of the Sea Views podcast.
Salute Her UK - Women-Only Counselling and Therapy Post-Sexual Assault
Salute Her UK initially began as a counselling service to support female veterans who had experienced sexual trauma during their military service. With the support of The Seafarers’ Charity, Salute Her UK has expanded to offer therapy services for female seafarers in the merchant navy and commercial fishing. The funding supports workshops, courses, group therapy, and individual mental health sessions, both face-to-face and virtually. This vital project, benefiting 200 women seafarers each year, provides a vital resource for women working in these demanding industries, offering a confidential space for support and healing.
Seafarers Hospital Society - Feminine Hygiene Project
In partnership with the TK Foundation, Seafarers Hospital Society launched a pilot project to provide female seafarers with access to menstrual hygiene products. This £25,000 project, funded by The Seafarers' Charity and the TK Foundation, aims to improve wellbeing by ensuring access to necessary products during lengthy sea going contracts. The initiative, which is set to benefit 1,030 women seafarers, was launched at the London International Cruise Terminal and the Port of Tilbury, in partnership with the QVSR London Tilbury Seafarer Centre.
Sailors Society - International All Female Peer-to-Peer Support Groups
Women seafarers face gender-related challenges such as lower pay, stress, isolation, and occupational injuries. They have often been pressured to conform to a male-dominated culture, leaving their unique needs unaddressed. The Sailors Society’s female-only Peer-to-Peer Support Groups provide a dedicated space where women can share their experiences, ask for advice, and support each other. This initiative is paving the way for better welfare for female seafarers, fostering a sense of community and encouraging the next generation to enter the maritime industry.
Webinar: Supporting the Welfare of Women Seafarers
On Wednesday 15 May 2024, we hosted a free webinar in partnership with The Nautical Institute on psychological safety for women working at sea. With speakers from WISTA, Safer Waves, and Salute Her, we explored how to create a supportive workplace, foster career growth, and address challenges faced by women at sea. Topics also included transforming company culture, personal experiences, and available support resources.
Webinar: Supporting the Welfare of Women Seafarers
On Wednesday 20 April 2023, The Seafarers’ Charity and the International Christian Maritime Association held a webinar to begin the discussion on what more can maritime welfare charities do to support the safety and welfare needs of women working at sea. Click here for Professor Helen Sampson's presentation and here for the webinar agenda.
Research about women working on cargo ships
Research from the Seafarers’ International Research Centre at Cardiff University reveals the real-life experiences of women working onboard male-dominated cargo ships and their need for welfare support.
Click here to access the report.
UK Women in Fisheries
In fishing, women work in a wider range of roles at sea, and, on land. They are vessel owners, fleet managers, fishers, fishmongers, processors, fishing conservationists, charity workers and trainers in the fishing industry. According to research women also play an important role in maintaining the social fabric of fisheries and nurture the physical and mental wellbeing of fishing families, often at a cost to their own material, social and emotional wellbeing. The Seafarers’ Charity funds the support network for UK Women in Fisheries. Listen to the two Fathom podcasts:
- Episode 23 – Making Space for Women in Fishing
- The Female Fisherman
Women In Maritime Network
Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity is the current Chair of the Women In Maritime Network. The Network brings together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime, and crucially within senior roles across its shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.
At
The Seafarers’ Charity, we are proud to continue our commitment to diversity
and inclusion by remaining aligned with Maritime UK’s Diversity in Maritime Pledge. Through this pledge, we are taking meaningful
steps towards creating an environment where everyone - regardless of gender,
ethnicity, mental health status, sexual orientation, or background - is valued
and empowered to succeed.
