As the world marks the 2019 ‘Day of the Seafarer’ today, with a focus on a x-raying opportunities that are available for women in the maritime industry, President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Jean Chiazor Anishere, says all is not yet ‘rosy.’
Anishere said that though opportunities are plentiful in the maritime industry, the challenge for WIMA Nigeria remained the fact that they do not have ships.
She, however, expressed some joy over efforts by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to assist trained female cadets get sea-time training.
She said: “Opportunities for WIMA Nigeria is still tough, cos we don’t have ships. However, there is
hope because the Federal Government of Nigeria under the auspices of NIMASA, thankfully, is desirous of
assisting our trained cadets to go on board some foreign ships, in order to attain the requisite experience and sea time.”
hope because the Federal Government of Nigeria under the auspices of NIMASA, thankfully, is desirous of
assisting our trained cadets to go on board some foreign ships, in order to attain the requisite experience and sea time.”
For the WIMAfrica President, the association’s desire to own a ship may be a herculean, but getting it done would mean the beginning of a new chapter to give women greater opportunities available in the
maritime industry.
maritime industry.
Appreciating the women’s attainments through team platforms, Anishere is certain that such platforms have supported women in building stronger confidence as they contribute their quota to the growth and
sustainability of the sector.
sustainability of the sector.
She applauds the International Maritime Organisation(IMO) for recognizing women’s role in contributing to the sector, and the remarkable decision to dedicate the 2019 commemoration of the ‘Day of the Seafarer’ to looking at the need for giving women more opportunities and creating equality in the workplace for
them.
them.
“Happily, IMO is dogged about this subject of encouraging women in the industry that they have dedicated this year to women empowerment and equal rights for women and girls.
“Scholarships are being awarded for training of cadets and other marine causes for women. I advise that our young ones should get well informed and join good associations like WIMAFRICA for good mentoring and relevant support,” Anishere said.
The IMO coined the catchphrase #On board with gender equality to encourage contributions from people globally, as they posted pictures and comments on a shared platform to support the goal for the day.
The IMO coined the catchphrase #On board with gender equality to encourage contributions from people globally, as they posted pictures and comments on a shared platform to support the goal for the day.
