Women in the Maritime Sector: Surviving and Thriving in a Man’s World—A Caribbean Perspective

Abstract

Caribbean governments have recognized the importance of the empowerment of women as an essential poverty-reduction strategy, with the primary vehicle being their access to education and training. The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Women in Development (WID) Programme, since its inception, has provided this access for many Caribbean women, to equip them to enter and contribute in what is undoubtedly a very specialised and male-dominated industry. The milestone of 25 years of IMO WID, is an important juncture to assess the extent to which the maritime sector of Caribbean countries has been impacted by the contribution of women. This study attempted such an assessment, utilizing a survey/questionnaire administered to women who have risen to senior leadership positions in various sectors of the maritime industry in the Caribbean. It evaluated the extent of the role of the IMO WID Programme in supporting their professional advancement and assessed the contribution of these women on the sustainable development of the sector. This study also identified the challenges faced and strategies employed, in order to gain insight which could be used to support the formulation of strategies to further inform the agenda to attract and promote the advancement of women in the maritime sector. It suggests the need for more in-depth research to inform future programmes to empower women in the maritime sector of the Caribbean.