5 Reasons Why There are Less Female Seafarers

Based on old societal standards, seafaring isn’t a woman’s job. The male-dominated industry has been there for decades and truth be told, the stigma has stuck. Despite the changes we now have with gender equality, there are also very few changes done to market seafaring as a possible career option for women.

To give you a clearer view, here are 5 reasons why there are fewer female seafarers:

1. Male dominated

Since it started this way, the shipping industry has given many women the impression that a seafaring career would result in failure. There’s also a lack of female role models in this business, thus, leading to less awareness. Many also fear the possible challenges and gender discrimination they may face in a male-dominated workforce.

2. Lack of information

Due to the lack of female seafarers, this consequently resulted in the lack of information that women can work as one too. In fact, many young women and children rather opt to pursue mainstream careers such as medicine, law, arts, and more.

3. Lack of training and seminars

There are fewer organizations and support groups and networks that conduct basic training for women seafarers. If there were, spreading awareness regarding the misconceptions can be possible. This can, later on, encourage a stronger female presence in the industry.

4. Less support

As it is a male-dominated industry, it’s understandable that a female’s support system will veer away from seafaring as a career choice. The lack of encouragement can result in easily dismissing the idea altogether.

5. Less acceptance by companies

Women are often seen as fragile and weak, while men are the complete opposite. And as a seafarer’s work can be arduous, there’s already prejudice that women may underperform. Sadly, there are companies (being the businesses that they are) that would rather keep it as it is than invest in creating a safer and better work environment and facilities for women on board.

The seafaring industry offers many great opportunities, however, employment equality has yet to be instilled. It is high time that the industry sees the potential women can hold in this field.