Mary Nnah
The Women in Maritime Africa, Nigeria chapter (WIMA -Nigeria) has seized the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) to appeal to industry captains in Nigeria to be intentional in the employment, proper placement, and promotion of women in the industry.
The association also appealed to the House of Representatives and the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy to recognise its objectives and make space for women in the industry, particularly in technical roles.
Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, the President of WIMA-Nigeria, expressed regret that less than 2% of women professionals are employed in the Maritime industry in Nigeria, noting that, “ There are thousands of professionally qualified Maritime Women out there, but they cannot find employment because they are women.” She emphasized that the association is focused on female seafarers and technical experts and that it is unfortunate that the Maritime industry is still perceived as exclusively for men.
Therefore, the association appealed to the House Representatives, NIMASA and the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to take action and create opportunities for women in the industry, adding that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is inspiring and comforting to women in the maritime industry.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th as a global day of acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The celebration began on February 28, 1909, and aims to raise awareness about gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. It provides a platform for collective action and collaboration in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment.
According to WIMA-Nigeria President, the theme of International Women’s Day in 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment. The campaign theme for this year is “Inspire Inclusion.”
She said, “The World Economic Forum estimates that it will take over a century for gender equality to be attained, so International Women’s Day is not just a day to celebrate the achievements of women but also a call to action for gender equality. It encourages reflection, advocacy, and action to continue breaking down barriers for women and girls around the globe.”
WIMA-Nigeria is an association based on female maritime professionals in Nigeria, and it is the first and only association championing the Blue Economy in Nigeria in the last 8 years.
WIMA-Nigeria has been the voice campaigning for the right placement and promotion of women in the maritime sector as well as the abolition of female discrimination in professionalism.
WIMA-Nigeria cooperates and collaborates with other international bodies to advocate for Nigerian women in the maritime sector while maintaining mainstream participation in all aspects of the Blue Economy and policies. WIMA-Nigeria is also an advocate of General Maritime Awareness, Human Capacity Building, and Entrepreneurial Development for women.
WIMA-Nigeria is made up of women professionals in the industry with time-tested experience in areas such as Maritime/Admiralty law, Crew Management, Maritime logistics & chain supply, Ship Channelling, Shipping operations, Vessel Owners, jetty and container terminal owners, specialists in Maritime Arbitration & other Maritime training, vessel Captains & Chief Engineers, the specialist also in Cabotage and Maritime Labour mediation and ship registry, as well as Maritime Consultancy. These are rooted technocrats desiring to unleash their potential and shatter the glass ceiling after having studied in the world’s best universities and maritime schools.
Therefore, WIMA-Nigeria assertd that its employment request is their civic, economic, and legal right, which should be an inclusion in the world employment industry.
The association urges the Nigerian government maritime authorities and the world at large to rise to the great challenge and join the United Nations to encourage women to greater heights and celebrate women in totality.
