Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), The maritime industry stands at a crucial juncture, where strides have been made in addressing the well-being of seafarers, particularly focusing on gender diversity and inclusion. Arsenio Dominguez Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization said to Brussels Morning Journalist after the Brussels conference on the Wellbeing of Seafarers.
This report examines the progress achieved thus far, highlights current opportunities, and underscores the significance of forums such as conferences dedicated to the well-being of seafarers, including women. The secretary mentioned to the Brussels morning. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion as central priorities for international organizations and the shipping sector.
In recent years, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the challenges faced by seafarers in maintaining their physical and mental well-being amidst the rigors of maritime life. Efforts have been undertaken by various stakeholders, including international organizations, governments, and industry bodies, to address these challenges comprehensively.
One notable aspect of this progress is the increasing recognition of the unique needs and vulnerabilities of women in the maritime workforce. Initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and providing support systems for female seafarers have gained momentum. This includes efforts to enhance safety measures, facilitate access to training and career advancement opportunities, and create a more inclusive work environment.
Opportunities for Further Enhancement: while significant progress has been made, there remain ample opportunities for further improvement in enhancing the well-being of seafarers and promoting diversity and inclusion within the maritime industry.
Conferences dedicated to addressing the well-being of seafarers serve as invaluable platforms for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the identification of best practices. These forums provide an opportunity to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including industry professionals, policymakers, academics, and seafarers themselves, to collectively address existing challenges and explore innovative solutions.
Shipping plays a vital role in the global economy, with seafarers serving as essential links in the chain. Despite their crucial role, seafarers often operate in challenging conditions and face pressures exacerbated by recent crises such as COVID-19 and geopolitical developments. The spotlight on seafarers’ wellbeing during the Brussels Conference on the Wellbeing of Seafarers, hosted by the Belgian Minister of the North Sea, reflects a collective effort to address these challenges.
Belgian Minister of the North Sea emphasized the significance of seafarers’ “Wellbeing” as a cornerstone of their North Sea policy. Acknowledging the challenges faced by seafarers due to the demanding nature of their jobs, the Minister highlighted the need for better support, especially amidst new evolutions in shipping. During the upcoming Belgian EU Presidency, efforts will be made to address these issues and provide enhanced assistance to seafarers.
Attendees at the conference, including ministers, police officers, and maritime professionals, engaged in discussions on various topics, including sector attractiveness and seafarer attrition. A symbolic logbook containing wishes for seafarers was created, to be presented to the International Maritime Organization, providing valuable input for future discussions on seafarers’ wellbeing.
Additionally, the event coincided with International Women’s Day, highlighting the need for diversity and inclusion within the shipping sector. Panel discussions addressed strategies to ensure a more diverse workforce, with the conference itself demonstrating this commitment by featuring high-level women speakers, setting an example for the industry to follow.
There are same works we did but still, there is a lot of work need to be done. Initiatives are also being launched from within the maritime sector to make it more inclusive. In cooperation with the European Commission and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), the best initiatives were awarded an Honour for Diversity and Inclusion in Maritime. Costa Cruises, the initiative “Women Offshore” and the initiative “I exist too” won the honors for best improvement of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, best initiative against harassment, and best new initiative, respectively.
Said to the Brussels Morning the Belgian government is actively promoting inclusivity and gender diversity in the maritime transport sector, particularly emphasizing the participation of women. Belgium stands out as one of the countries that prioritize gender balance and diversity within their governmental delegations, evident in the composition of participation in various forums and events.
A noteworthy example of Belgium’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is its proactive stance on ensuring gender representation in panels and roundtable discussions. For instance, upon refusing to participate in a panel where women were underrepresented, Belgium expressed its support by acknowledging the importance of diversity. This commitment was evidenced by the subsequent panel where gender balance was achieved, with the majority of panelists being professional women.
Such actions underscore Belgium’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. By advocating for gender diversity and actively supporting initiatives that promote equal representation, Belgium sets a positive example for other nations to follow.
However, despite these strides towards inclusivity, challenges such as pay equity persist. While efforts are being made to promote gender diversity, ensuring equal pay for equal work remains a critical issue that demands attention. Addressing pay disparities is essential for achieving true gender equality in the maritime sector and beyond.
In summary, Belgium’s efforts to promote inclusivity and gender diversity in the maritime transport sector are commendable. By prioritizing gender balance in delegations and advocating for equal representation, Belgium demonstrates its commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive maritime industry. However, continued efforts are needed to address lingering challenges such as pay equity to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive fair and equal treatment in the workplace. The secretary of the International Maritime Organization said to BM.
Certain issues need addressing, which may not fall directly under the purview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) but are crucial social aspects nonetheless, such as those overseen by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and contractual agreements. While the IMO may not have direct authority over these matters, we remain committed to advocating for equality, particularly concerning salaries. He added
An exemplary model for fair compensation can be found in the United Nations, where a standardized salary scale is applied universally, irrespective of factors such as religion, beliefs, or race. This principle underscores the importance of rewarding individuals based on their professional merits rather than personal attributes or identity. He also said regarding discrimination, abuse, and harassment, it is imperative to emphasize that such behaviors have no place in any sector, whether private or governmental. At the United Nations, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and bullying, fostering an environment where every individual feels safe and respected.
To combat discrimination and violence effectively, proactive measures are necessary. Last week, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, we finalized a meeting aimed at addressing sexual assault and harassment within our training certification framework, specifically targeting officers and seafarers. This initiative not only raises awareness but also establishes protocols for handling and investigating such cases, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues. He added
Moving forward, we are committed to actively promoting and campaigning against discrimination and harassment within the international shipping sector. By implementing robust measures and holding individuals accountable for their actions, we strive to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all those involved in maritime operations.
The minister of maritime affairs and insular policy of Greece said in an interview to the Brussels morning that in summary, Belgium’s efforts to promote inclusivity and gender diversity in the maritime transport sector are commendable. By prioritizing gender balance in delegations and advocating for equal representation, Belgium demonstrates its commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive maritime industry. However, continued efforts are needed to address lingering challenges such as pay equity to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive fair and equal treatment in the workplace.
There are certain issues that need addressing, which may not fall directly under the purview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) but are crucial social aspects nonetheless, such as those overseen by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and contractual agreements. While the IMO may not have direct authority over these matters, we remain committed to advocating for equality, particularly concerning salaries. He said
An exemplary model for fair compensation can be found in the United Nations, where a standardized salary scale is applied universally, irrespective of factors such as religion, beliefs, or race. This principle underscores the importance of rewarding individuals based on their professional merits rather than personal attributes or identity. In talking about discrimination and emphasizing that: discrimination, abuse, and harassment, it is imperative to emphasize that such behaviors have no place in any sector, whether private or governmental. At the United Nations, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and bullying, fostering an environment where every individual feels safe and respected.
According to him, to combat discrimination and violence effectively, proactive measures are necessary. Last week, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, we finalized a meeting aimed at addressing sexual assault and harassment within our training certification framework, specifically targeting officers and seafarers. This initiative not only raises awareness but also establishes protocols for handling and investigating such cases, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.
Moving forward, we are committed to actively promoting and campaigning against discrimination and harassment within the international shipping sector. By implementing robust measures and holding individuals accountable for their actions, we strive to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all those involved in maritime operations.
In conclusion, the progress made in enhancing the well-being of seafarers, particularly through initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity and inclusion, is commendable. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all seafarers, regardless of gender or background, can thrive in their chosen profession. Conferences and similar platforms play a crucial role in advancing these objectives by facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. Moving forward, continued efforts to prioritize seafarers’ well-being and promote diversity and inclusion will be essential for the long-term sustainability and success of the maritime industry.
