To mark International Women’s Day in Maritime, we invited our Deputy Chief Executive, Sharon Coveney, to share her insights and experiences from her time in the maritime industry.
Today, on International Women’s Day In Maritime, I’d like to reflect on our journey and celebrate this important day. As someone who served at sea over 30 years ago, I’ve witnessed first-hand just how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go to build a truly inclusive maritime industry.
When I was growing up, a career at sea was something my brother was encouraged to pursue, but sadly not me, simply because I was a girl. That was the mindset then. Thankfully, things have moved forward.
During my five years at sea, I worked with just one other woman in the Electro Tech Department, onboard the Pacific Princess. Apart for her, I did not encounter a single other female deck or engineer officer during my time at sea. Women in these departments were few and far between onboard, and even fewer had the opportunity to progress through the ranks, unless they worked in the Pursers Department. Gender inclusion simply was not part of the conversation.
Fast forward to today and it is pleasing to see the landscape has moved forward positively. Women are now present in every corner of the industry, from cadets to captains, from port welfare workers to maritime executives. There’s greater awareness, growing representation, and most importantly, a shared drive for equity that simply didn’t exist three decades ago.
At MNWB, we believe welfare must reflect the needs of the entire maritime workforce, including the unique experiences of women at sea and ashore. While progress is real, women still face significant challenges such as isolation, underrepresentation onboard and barriers to promotion and leadership.
At a recent Port Welfare Committee meeting, I was saddened to hear ongoing concerns about the lack of correctly sized safety equipment and clothing for female seafarers. This isn’t just about equality, it’s about safety. Without the right kit, women’s ability to do their jobs is compromised, sometimes dangerously so. It’s a stark reminder that gender inclusion really should be built into operational practices and not treated as an afterthought.
These challenges are often even greater for women from minority backgrounds, or for those balancing careers at sea with family responsibilities. That’s why our work must be inclusive, intentional, and future-focused.
I’m proud to work with a broad and diverse network of maritime charities, volunteers, and Port Welfare Committees. I am also seeing more women in these roles, leading, listening, and delivering vital services with empathy and expertise.
We at MNWB are particularly grateful for the work of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association). Their tireless advocacy, mentorship, and community-building have made a real difference in pushing for gender equity across the sector. They really do continue to inspire and open doors for the next generation.
International Women’s Day In Maritime is a celebration and a call to action. The maritime sector will only thrive when it reflects the diversity of its workforce, not just by welcoming women in, but by ensuring they’re supported, retained, and empowered. Because when all seafarers are seen, heard, and supported, the entire industry benefits.
To the women forging paths across the maritime world on ships, in ports, offices, and boardrooms, thank you. Your resilience, insight, and leadership are undoubtedly shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for us all.
