Ever since the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that ‘Empowering Women in the Maritime Community’ had been selected as the theme for World Maritime Day in 2019, the industry globally has awakened to this cause. The IMO’s objective is to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which also aligns perfectly with Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) India’s goals and aspirations.

WISTA is an agent of change for women in the maritime sector. It encourages them to realise their potential by taking on leadership roles in the industry and to reach higher levels of responsibility in their profession, while contributing to the progress and prosperity of their families and communities. Just before the pandemic set in, WISTA India, in collaboration with the Maritime Union of India (Women’s Wing), hosted a seminar titled ‘Managing Unconscious Bias’. Many thought-provoking questions were asked. What support do women need from the industry? Will the maritime industry continue to be programmed towards gender bias? Are there enough female voices in the maritime sector?

While gender bias does exist in the industry, I personally believe bias is not always based on gender, as it is also about whether you are good at your job. Performance is key for career growth, and it determines which people – men and women – are chosen for leadership positions.

My predecessor, Ms Sanjam Sahi Gupta of Sitara Shipping Ltd, is my role model. As the winner of the Sandvik India Gender Awards 2018, she is an inspiration, having established WISTA India as a superb networking platform. When I took the baton of presidentship from her, my aim was to increase the footprint of WISTA India through two key elements (aside from business networking):

We are working towards this goal by collaborating with like-minded organisations that share the need to enhance the welfare and prosperity of women.

Over the last 2 years, I think we have made some progress. As a result, it has been very rewarding to stay connected with our members through virtual events based around knowledge sharing, mental and physical health, and business networking.

Following IMO’s theme, WISTA India has taken multiple initiatives to increase gender diversity in the maritime sector. One such step was implemented by Ms Sanjam Gupta. With the support of the Sandvik Group and the United Nations Global Compact Network India, she conducted a survey of women in the maritime industry. It addressed gender gaps and working conditions in the Indian maritime industry. I think this was a brilliant idea and much needed to bring about a change in the industry. One of the main aims of WISTA India is to increase women’s participation in the maritime sector by 25% by 2030.

WISTA India recently gave e-presentations at industry events where WISTA members met and interacted with industry leaders. We spoke about our vision to increase diversity, and at one such event, we asked industry stakeholders to sign a diversity pledge. It was heart-warming to see the industry supporting the cause and being onboard with gender equality. Education is also a key priority for WISTA, and we will soon announce our plans, which are in addition to the scholarships rolled out by the ICS.

In keeping with my vision to support mental health, we have organised several events with doctors and health experts on women’s health. We also run regular yoga programmes for our members with fitness as an objective. Our association with the online therapy platform I-Will by the E-pSt Clinic is one such positive initiative. All in all, I think we are moving in the right direction as far as bridging the gender gap in the maritime sector is concerned. With the right attitude, knowledge and spirit, there is nothing that the women’s taskforce in shipping cannot achieve.

Summiit Cheema,
Sitara Shipping Ltd.