Page 26 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH

the IMO and the Women’s International Ship-
ping & Trading Association (WISTA) shows
that women currently account for only 29% of
the overall workforce in the general maritime
industry and 20% of the workforce of national
maritime authorities. The number of female
seafarers is even smaller, with just 2% of the
approximately two million seafarers worldwide
being women.
We have made progress, but we definitely have
work to do. For this reason, on the occasion of
the International Women’s Day in Maritime on
18 May, I will call on Member States and industry
partners to do more to enhance gender equality
in the maritime industry.
Shipping is not recognised The IMO supports gender equality and the
enough for its essential empowerment of women through gender-spe-
role in daily life. cific fellowships by facilitating access to high-
Most of all the goods level technical training for women in the mari-
we use on a daily basis, time sector in developing countries, by creating
including food, fuel, and an environment in which women are identified
electronics, are brought and selected for career development opportu-
via ship. We need to tell nities in maritime administrations, ports, and
the maritime story in a maritime training institutes, and by facilitating
way that resonates with the establishment of professional women in
people and shows the maritime associations, particularly in develop-
sector’s impact. ing countries.
The IMO Secretariat is leading by example: we
have an internal Gender and Diversity Group,
and gender is mainstreamed in the delivery of all
IMO projects and programmes. We are striving
to achieve gender parity amongst staff. I have
appointed a gender-balanced senior manage-
ment team and initiated a policy of refraining
from participating in panels or events unless
gender representation is respected. I encourage
the maritime community to do the same.

❾ The International Chamber of Shipping
recently proposed the establishment
of the Zero Emission Shipping Fund.
How do you view this proposal?
There are several proposals on the table for
have a key role to play as shipping incorporates mid-term measures to reduce GHG emissions,
new technologies. It is crucial for us to adapt covering two key elements:
and meet them where they are. Gen Z values • a technical element, namely a goal-
fulfilling careers that ensure their growth and based marine fuel standard regulating
mental well-being, and we can work on demon- the phased reduction of marine fuel’s
strating that a maritime career is safe, fulfilling, GHG intensity and
and attractive. • an economic element based on a mar-
itime GHG emissions pricing mecha-
❼ Is the shipping industry on the right nism.
track regarding diversity and inclu- Discussions are ongoing, while a comprehensive
sion? Does the IMO have a role to play impact assessment is being carried out on the
in aiding maritime businesses with potential impacts of the different proposals on
guidance on best practices? Member States. That said, the IMO is on track to
In terms of gender diversity, a recent study by adopt the final measures in late 2025.

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