It is estimated (e.g. by IMO) that there is only 1-2% of women working at sea. What are the causes of this underrepresentation? Do women themselves are not willing to undertake such professional challenges? Are the socio-cultural obstacles (biases)? Maybe the sector needs more diversity management programmes? Maybe there are some legal obstacles, maybe in some countries or under some conventions women are not allowed to enter maritime professions? Do you think is there a growing tendency of women's presence at sea?
I guess I was imprecise in the sentence about 1-2%, I mean of course that only 1-2% of workers at sea are women
I was a marine engineer for 11 years at sea, and in those 11 years, I only met a few female crew members. The main reason was that the working environment on board was so unfriendly to women. It was common for the temperature in the engine room to be 40 degrees or more. Coming back from a round of inspections, you were sweating profusely. Often the top of the boilersuit were taken off when they returned to the engine control room, in order to cool off. Diesel engine overhaul, oil purifier overhaul and various other work are all dealing with oil. Sometimes it takes strength to lift heavy things. This is only one aspect.
For a women there are no difficulties to start a job in the maritime industry. There are no obstacles, at least in France. The same is for a career at sea, however, the biological differences between males and females seems to influence the lenght of their career (motherhood for exemple). Ashore I do not see any difficulty.
Only 1-2% of women are working in maritime industry. There are two main reason. The first is environment and climate are unfriendly to women. The second reason is biological differences between males and females.
1. Lack of knowledge and awareness: Women are often unaware of the opportunities available to them in maritime professions, and may not have access to the necessary resources to learn more about them.
2. Gender stereotypes: Women may face gender stereotypes and discrimination in the maritime industry, which can make it difficult for them to break into the field.
3. Lack of support: Women may have difficulty finding mentors, support networks, and job opportunities in the maritime industry, which can make it difficult for them to gain the experience needed to advance.
4. Physical requirements: Certain maritime professions may require physical strength and stamina that some women may not possess.
5. Cost: The cost of training and gaining the necessary certifications can be prohibitively high for some women.
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