Unlocking Maritime Opportunities: WIMAfrica Inspires Female Youths to Chart a New Course
Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica-Nigeria) is empowering female youths to explore the vast career possibilities in the maritime industry, encouraging them to break gender barriers and shape the future of maritime safety.
This call to action was made during the International Day for Women in Maritime, themed "Safe Horizon: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety".
WIMAfrica Nigeria President, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, shared her own journey, transitioning from a background in Public Relations and Industrial Relations to becoming a maritime professional. She emphasized that with the right mentorship and training, women can excel in various maritime careers, including ferry operations, safety management, and marine engineering. Macfoy's inspiring story serves as a testament to the fact that women can succeed in any field they choose, even in traditionally male-dominated industries like maritime.
The event featured supportive messages from industry leaders, training sessions, and mentoring opportunities to guide women in pursuing maritime careers.
WIMAfrica Continental Coordinator, Mrs. Gloria Kanabe, praised the association's efforts in promoting gender diversity in the industry. WIMAfrica Ambassador, Mr. Obiageli Anubi, urged students to seize the numerous opportunities in the maritime sector and study maritime-related issues diligently.
Former Continental President of WIMAfrica, Mrs. Chiazor Anishere, highlighted the association's success in producing female marine engineers, ship captains, and seafarers through its programs. She acknowledged the significant impact of women in the industry due to WIMAfrica's efforts, noting that women possess the necessary skills to thrive in the maritime sector.
The event included an essay competition, with students from Lagos State University and the School of Oceanography showcasing their knowledge and skills. WIMAfrica President, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, presented souvenirs to the students and provided a unique opportunity for them to experience ship operations firsthand. This hands-on experience allowed the students to gain a deeper understanding of the maritime industry and its various career paths.
By promoting gender diversity and empowerment, WIMAfrica aims to increase women's participation in the maritime industry, which plays a vital role in global trade and economic growth. With 95% of consumed goods and apparel transported via ports, the maritime industry is indispensable to the global economy. WIMAfrica's efforts to promote women in maritime align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, it is essential to tap into the talents and skills of women to address the growing demand for skilled professionals. WIMAfrica's initiative serves as a beacon of hope for young women, inspiring them to pursue careers in maritime and break through the glass ceiling. By unlocking maritime opportunities, WIMAfrica is shaping the future of maritime safety and promoting gender equality in the industry.
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