Minister for Infrastructure, Disaster Management and Metreological services Jone Usamate says that the maritime sector needs to eliminate gender inequality and this is often been overlooked.
While speaking at the World Maritime Day Celebration in Sukuna Park this morning, Usamate says Fiji is a hub of seafaring industry in the pacific and is currently moving towards sustainability in supporting the empowerment of women.
He says that defying the traditional way we have tended to look at the role of women, there are now an increase in number of women at sea.
Usamate says over the past decade they have seen a rise in number of women and their meaningful participation in the economy, political decision making, the world of work, education and in the society.
He says throughout history the maritime sector especially in shipping has been a male dominated industry.
Usamate says that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)through its gender and the capacity building programme has been making a concerted effort to help industry move forward and help women achieve better presentation in this key sector.
He says that the IMO must reach out to every sector of the community if it is to attract the very best people to pursue a maritime career.
He also says that the Maritime needs all hands on deck , both male and female in translating things into actions which requires bold and forward thinking maritime administration where men and women are prepared to break our socio cultural silos.
Usamate highlighted that empowering women fuels thriving economies across nation spurs growth and development which will benefit everyone working in the Maritime community as they strive towards a safe , secure, clean and sustainable shipping.
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