TITLE:
The Status of Women within the Maritime Sector
AUTHORS:
Leticia Grimett
KEYWORDS:
Women Empowerment, Women in Maritime, Gender Stereotypes, Maritime Sector, Discrimination
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management,
Vol.14 No.1,
January
24,
2024
ABSTRACT: The status of women
empowerment and gender equality in the maritime sector has been veiled in
secrecy as not much research has been done on the topic. This study sought to
identify the status of women in the maritime sector, the areas where progress
has been made, areas where there has been the least progress as well as the
policies in place at international, regional and domestic levels, to address
the challenges faced by women in the maritime sector. Research data was sourced
directly through industry surveys as well as indirectly, though global industry
reports and survey results. Research showed the overwhelming influence of
gender stereotypes on the ability of women to progress within male-dominated
sectors and the prevalence of gender-based placement within maritime roles,
where women were still primarily relegated to support and junior positions,
despite their dedication to their careers. Other challenges included the 45
percent pay gap between men and women, discrimination, abuse, harassment,
inability to enter management positions and, in some cases, company provisions
which prevented women from holding positions which would enable them to qualify
for management positions. In response to these challenges, there is a need to
undo the stereotypes that support discrimination of women in the workplace
while adopting and implementing legislation that penalises discriminatory
practices and supports true equality in the workplace.