The construction and maritime industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but there is a shift towards greater gender equality and diversity in these fields.

Women are increasingly becoming crane operators, challenging the traditional gender barriers in the construction industry.

According to a report, Farkhana Safargaleeva is a female crane operator with 15 years of experience, and she has returned to operating cranes after 5 years away.

This example shows that women can excel in non-traditional roles with the right experience and training.

In the construction industry, women represent 6% of British Columbia's construction tradespeople, and 33,500 women were employed in BC's construction industry in 2022.

However, women's employment in construction contracted by 5% from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the need for more initiatives to support women in the industry.

The construction industry needs 52,600 additional workers by 2032, and efforts are ongoing to recruit under-represented groups like women and Indigenous People.

In the United States, women in the construction sector reached 14.1 percent, and construction workers exceeded 1 million in May last year.

The average salary of an electrician was $59,000 in 2021, and the average salary of a construction manager was $98,500 in 2021, making these careers attractive to women.

However, a quarter of women in construction experienced sexual harassment, and half of women surveyed faced frequent or persistent unequal treatment.

Despite these challenges, female construction apprentices nearly doubled between 2016 and 2019, and Latinas recorded the largest increase in construction apprenticeships.

In China, women make up 14% of China's construction workers, up from 10% in 2004, and a third of workers on some construction sites in China's big cities are women.

However, women's average salary is about half that of male workers in construction, and China's gender pay gap is 21%, higher than the global average.

Labor shortages caused by low birth rates and aging population drive change, and women globally are paid 20% less than men on average.

In the maritime industry, women represent 1.2 percent of the global seafarer workforce, but there has been a 45.8 percent increase in women seafarers since 2015.

The UAE has launched the "Leaders in Difference" initiative to empower women in the maritime sector, and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure promotes gender equality in the maritime industry.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also launched the International Day for Women in Maritime on May 18 annually, and the Women in Maritime Network was created to support women in the industry.

In the United States, women constitute only 24% of the total waste management workforce, but companies promoting gender equality see positive business impacts.

Diverse workforce brings benefits to waste management companies, and inclusive hiring practices can foster diversity in the industry.

Women are securing roles traditionally dominated by men in waste management, and gender diversity is critical in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The construction and maritime industries are not the only fields where women are breaking down traditional gender barriers, as women are also assuming roles in male-dominated areas like driving and construction.

Industries traditionally dominated by men attract more women to their workforces, but women face challenges like long hours and guilt of not being home.

Working mothers struggle to balance career and family life, but women can excel in male-dominated roles with bravery and boldness.

Male-dominated industries can be unfair to women, feeling threatened, but women are naturally wired to be soft, and can develop professionalism.

Challenges like migration processes and ruthless drivers exist, but women can break through the glass ceiling with determination and hard work.

Women leaders sacrifice to have it all, balancing work and family, and women can pursue lucrative careers in the construction and transportation industries.

The construction industry needs more employees, and offers many opportunities for women, and girls are encouraged to pursue careers in male-dominated industries through events.

The Transportation & Construction GIRL Day event aims to educate young women about industry careers, and hundreds of girls and young women attended the event.

Women can excel in traditionally male-dominated roles with support and opportunities, and mentorship initiatives can foster confidence for women in technical fields.

Peer support plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive workplace, and leadership support is crucial for successful DEI practices.

Having women in all spaces is key to creating welcoming spaces, and organisations should embed inclusion efforts at all levels.

DEI initiatives are built on clear insight and targeted approaches, and women are discovering waste management as an appealing career choice.

Waste management companies can benefit from partnering with vocational schools, and women's contributions are reshaping the waste management industry's future.

In conclusion, the construction and maritime industries are experiencing a shift towards greater gender equality and diversity, with women breaking down traditional gender barriers and exceling in non-traditional roles.

Women can pursue lucrative careers in these industries, and with the right support and opportunities, they can break through the glass ceiling and achieve success.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion, and to provide women with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

The construction and maritime industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but there is a shift towards greater gender equality and diversity in these fields.

Women are increasingly becoming crane operators, challenging the traditional gender barriers in the construction industry.

Title:

Content: Women in Male Occupations
8 March
23: 08 4 March 2022
Farkhana Safargaleeva immediately after school, together with her friend, decided to enter the crane operator.
Romance or inner call - what pulled the fragile girl to manage the crane, build houses and make panels, she does not know.
She said she liked the job from the start.
Farkhana Safargaleeva, crane operator of “Unity ” LLP:
— We graduated from the GPTU, in the direction of us were sent here to the precast.
She worked here for 15 years, decree, perestroika, then went to other construction works.
I already as 5 years returned to this concrete concrete, my heart was sick for my crane, I love, I love this crane very much, I love working on the crane.
But, I did not even expect that I was before retirement, I am already 59 years old, I will return here.
How many houses were erected in the region with the help of skillful actions and many years of experience of crane operator Farkhana Safargaleeva, it is simply impossible to count.
Such qualities as calmness and attentiveness help in the work.
Her burning eyes are seen not only in the profession, but also at home.
A husband, a daughter and a small grandson will all gather at the festive table on March 8.
Farkhana Safargaleyeva ’ s relatives support her interest and success.
Anastasia Kuznetsova, correspondent:
— A woman is calm and brisk, vulnerable and warlike, tender and strong.
Modern women break stereotypes, showing the world how they can create and create.
In the “male ” professions, among other things.
"Unity" LLP produces reinforced concrete products.
The company employs 152 people, including 25 women.
Chief engineer Andrei Nekrasov says that they skillfully show their skills.
Andrey Nekrasov, Chief Engineer of Unity LLP:
— Our company employs a large number of women who are excellent professionals and faithfully perform their work.
It passed, one might say, Crimea and Rome here.
She is an excellent professional, she transfers her skills to young professionals.
Another representative of the fair sex in LLP "Unity" - Natalia Danilova.
She's a compressor operator.
Working in the construction industry is her dream.
And it came true.
All my life I have dreamed of working in the construction industry.
16 she devoted to ensuring the continuous operation of the enterprise.
Natalia Danilova, operator of the compressor unit of “Unity ” LLP:
I have been working here since 2006 for 16 years.
I like my job here.
We supply cement so that our production does not stand, pour slabs, pour panels.
The most important thing is health, so that the world will be around 03.54 and to finish until my retirement – that ’ s my wish.
On the eve of the holiday on March 8, according to tradition, all the men of the enterprise will set a table and give gifts to women who give their strength to such a difficult, but so beloved for them work.
Anastasia Kuznetsova
Read also
"Miss Pampushka 2022".
Convicted prisoners beauty contest held at EU institution 164 / 6
On the eve of March 8, the Council of Mothers congratulated the deputy akim of the region Gani Nygymetov
Women of different professions were congratulated on March 8

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

According to a report, Farkhana Safargaleeva is a female crane operator with 15 years of experience, and she has returned to operating cranes after 5 years away.

This example shows that women can excel in non-traditional roles with the right experience and training.

This example shows that women can excel in non-traditional roles with the right experience and training.

In the construction industry, women represent 6% of British Columbia's construction tradespeople, and 33,500 women were employed in BC's construction industry in 2022.

Title:

Content: Short-term contractions in British Columbia’s construction sector are short lived, with the residential sector poised to drive growth to 2032

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — British Columbia’s construction sector enjoyed another strong year of growth in 2022, with investment levels in both the residential and non-residential sectors rising to peaks. The former was sustained by high levels of real-estate demand, while the latter was supported by a series of ongoing engineering-construction projects and strong investments in hospitals and health care facilities.

Construction demands are expected to contract in the near term, with elevated interest rates curbing residential demand and work concluding on key major non-residential projects.

BuildForce Canada released its 2023–2032 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward report for British Columbia today. It finds that after recording strong gains in 2021 and 2022, employment is poised to contract in the short term due to a modest decline in residential construction related to rising interest rates and the wind down of work on several major projects in the province. A series of increases follow through the remainder of the forecast period, mostly in the residential sector, with total employment reaching more than 4% above 2022 levels by 2032. These numbers are based on existing known demands and do not take into account the federal government’s goal to double the number of new homes built across Canada over the next 10 years, nor the anticipated increase in demand for construction services related to the retrofit of existing residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings to accommodate the electrification of the economy.

“British Columbia has been one of the busiest construction markets in Canada for several years, with many major non-residential projects stacked on top of a booming residential sector,” says Bill Ferreira, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada. “Although both will likely experience modest declines in activity in the short term, higher levels of migration into the province will boost residential construction activity across the medium and long terms, while activity in the non-residential sector will fluctuate with the ebb and flow of work on several major projects.”

A full analysis of British Columbia’s construction sector requires detailed looks at not only the provincial market as a whole, but also at the two key provincial sub-markets: the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Both have their own unique market conditions.

The Lower Mainland construction market, which includes Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, and Lillooet, accounts for approximately 60% of the province’s construction employment. Regional activity strengthened again in 2022, led by peak levels of investment in both the residential and non-residential sectors.

Total construction employment in the Lower Mainland construction market is expected to contract through to 2026, as losses in the residential sector offset gains in the non-residential sector. Thereafter, it rises to the end of the forecast period, increasing by 3% to 2032, with employment in the non-residential sector accounting for all of the increase. Residential employment is mostly unchanged.

The Vancouver Island construction market, which includes the Capital Region, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni-Clayoquot, Strathcona, Comox Valley, Powell River, Mount Waddington, and Central Coast, also experienced growth in 2022. Activity was supported by a modest increase in residential investment and stronger growth in the non-residential sector. Construction employment is expected to contract by just over 3% across the forecast period, as residential employment declines by nearly 4% from its 2022 peak, and non-residential employment is virtually unchanged.

BuildForce Canada projects that British Columbia’s construction industry will need to recruit 52,600 additional workers over the forecast period to keep pace with expansion and replacement demands. More than 38,000 of those workers – or 20% of the 2022 construction labour force – are expected to retire during this period. Although the addition of almost 34,000 workers under the age of 30 from local recruitment efforts will help to offset these retirements, the labour force faces a near-term need for large numbers of experienced skilled workers. By 2032, the industry could face a deficit of 18,700 workers unless anticipated recruitment is increased.

The development of skilled tradespersons in the construction industry takes years, and often requires participation in a provincial apprenticeship program. New registrations in British Columbia’s 25 largest construction trade programs have fluctuated in recent years, despite an overall increase of 14% in employment between 2013 and 2019.

Based on projected new registrations and completion trends, several trades may be at risk of undersupplying the number of new journeypersons required by 2032. Trades within this group include Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Gas Fitter, Glazier, Heavy Equipment Operator, Industrial Instrumentation Technician, Industrial Mechanic, Insulator, Lather, Mobile Crane Operator, Painter and Decorator, Powerline Technician, Roofer, and Welder.

The construction industry remains focused on building a more diverse and inclusive labour force. To that end, efforts are ongoing to enhance the recruitment of individuals from groups traditionally under-represented in the province’s construction labour force, such as women, Indigenous People, and newcomers to Canada.

In 2022, there were approximately 33,500 women employed in British Columbia’s construction industry – a contraction of about 5% from 2021 levels. Of them, 31% worked directly in on-site construction. As a share of the total, women represented just 6% of the 182,100 tradespeople employed in the industry in 2022. That figure is unchanged from 2021.

The Indigenous population is another under-represented group that presents recruitment opportunities for British Columbia’s construction industry. In 2021, Indigenous workers accounted for 6.2% of the province’s construction labour force, which is a slight increase from 2016. It is also notably higher than the share of Indigenous People represented in the overall labour force. As the Indigenous population is the fastest growing in Canada and Indigenous workers seem predisposed to the pursuit of careers within the sector, there may be scope to further increase the recruitment of Indigenous People into the province’s construction industry.

The construction industry is also committed to the recruitment of newcomers to Canada. Historically, newcomers and more established immigrants have accounted for about one quarter of British Columbia’s construction workforce. With the province expected to welcome an average of just under 80,000 newcomers every year through 2032, based on historical settlement trends, the immigrant population will be a key potential source of labour force growth for the construction sector.

Increasing the participation rate of women, Indigenous People, and new Canadians could help British Columbia’s construction industry address its future labour force needs.

BuildForce Canada is a national industry-led organization that represents all sectors of Canada’s construction industry. Its mandate is to support the labour market development needs of the construction and maintenance industry. As part of these activities, BuildForce works with key industry stakeholders, including contractors, proponents of construction, labour providers, governments, and training providers to identify both demand and supply trends that will impact labour force capacity in the sector, and supports the career searches of job seekers wanting to work in the industry. BuildForce also leads programs and initiatives that support workforce upskilling, workforce productivity improvements, improvements to training modalities, human resource tools to support the adoption of industry best practices, as well as other value-added initiatives focused on supporting the industry’s labour force development needs. Visit www.buildforce.ca.

For further information, contact Bill Ferreira, Executive Director, BuildForce Canada, at [email protected] or 613-569-5552 ext. 2220.

This report was produced with the support and input of a variety of provincial construction and maintenance industry stakeholders. For local industry reaction to this latest BuildForce Canada report, please contact:

Chris Atchison
President
British Columbia Construction Association
(250) 818-9671

Kim Barbero
CEO
Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia
604-205-5058

Paul de Jong
President
Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
403-620-3781

Kelly Scott
President
BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association
604-436-0220

Rob Viccars
Communications & Marketing
Canadian Homebuilder’s Association of British Columbia
604-432-7112 ext. 301

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

CBJ Newsmakers

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

However, women's employment in construction contracted by 5% from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the need for more initiatives to support women in the industry.

The construction industry needs 52,600 additional workers by 2032, and efforts are ongoing to recruit under-represented groups like women and Indigenous People.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

In the United States, women in the construction sector reached 14.1 percent, and construction workers exceeded 1 million in May last year.

Title:

Content: Daytime Plus
Send Save Print PDF
Women break into construction sector to fill labour shortages
Bloomberg: The number of construction workers in the United States exceeded 1 million in May last year, for the first time since data collection began in 1964, and the share of women among workers in the sector reached its highest level at 14.1 percent last month.
About a third of construction workers in the United States are Hispanic, according to BLS.
Cerato herself got to know the industry at an early age through her Mexican immigrant father, saying, “I used to go out to work with him, and I never saw anyone like me, so it never occurred to me that it could be a viable career path. ”
The presence of another Latina as a mentor made a big difference, she said, adding: “That ’ s why our representation is important. ”
One of the women is Andy Dirkschneider, who negotiates millions of dollars in loans to buy land for her family ’ s homebuilder, but sometimes vendors call her “petite ” and ask to speak to the man in charge.
Dirkschneider, 32, who heads Brookline Homes in Charlotte, said: “I tell them I ’ m the man in charge.
A young blonde girl doing this job confuses everyone.
It ’ s frustrating, but it can ’ t be allowed to. ”
Dirkschneider and thousands of women like her are breaking through the walls of the professions.
It is not brittle, it is concrete.
The field of construction has always been a world for men, from handicrafts such as construction and carpentry to the offices of developers and executive companies.
The accelerating wave of retirement of the 1960s and 1970s generation has exacerbated the industry ’ s chronic labor shortage.
Construction jobs totaled 440,000 in April, the highest in Bureau of Labor Statistics records that began in 2001.
Aryan Higuish, a senior researcher and fellow at the Women ’ s Policy Research Institute, said there is room for growth, because the construction sector ’ s historical dependence on men now risks constraining its growth.
The institute estimates that about a third of women in the industry work in deals, and their share across sectors such as painting and carpentry is still as small as a tenth, though Higuish believes it will continue to grow.
This is partly because of the need for labor and because states and local administrations want to see more diversity in companies when they are awarded contracts.
Patrice Haley, of the diversity leadership team at construction giant DPR, said: “In this industry, we can ’ t dismiss people on the basis of gender.
“A lot of veterans are retiring, and we can ’ t leave any of the doors closed. ”
One of the temptations for women in the industry, Haley said, was to see what they were building right in front of their eyes, and she had started working in the industry in a manual job that required wearing a helmet and toe boots.
She said, "I can say I worked on this and built that."
There ’ s also the temptation to pay better than many other jobs that don ’ t require a college degree: In 2021, the average salary of an electrician was $59,000 and $98,500 for a construction manager, according to U.S. Department of Labor data.
Taqiya Wallace, 35, works for a large energy company in tracking construction project documents.
But she dreams of getting a license as a general contractor to start working on her own.
In June, I began studying building skills in a 16-week curriculum organized by Goodwill Industries in South Piedmont, Charlotte, where I learned to read blueprints and handle equipment.
If all goes according to plan, she will finish training with four industry certifications.
Although Goodwill does not target women, its organizers say a group of 15 people who completed training last year were all women, about half of whom went on to work in industry jobs.
Wallace, who was the first to receive a college degree in her family, sees getting a contractor ’ s license and hanging a sign for her company as a way to build the wealth she can bequeath to her family.
She said, “I want to be able to tell them this is our legacy. ”
Harassment and discrimination
Despite these encouraging trends, the sector still has a long way to go.
About a quarter of respondents to a survey of 2,635 workers conducted by the Women ’ s Policy Research Institute last year said they had experienced sexual harassment or repeated harassment on the basis of sex.
Half of those surveyed said that their lack of equal treatment by men was frequent or persistent.
Jenny Parker stood at a construction site in High Point, North Carolina, on a very hot day in July, grabbing a paper cup with an iced drink as she looked at her sawdust, paint and sweat stained shirt and said, "I love this.
It took me 10 years to get here. ”
Parker, who spent nine years in the Marine Corps, was upset by the managerial jobs she worked so she could pay her bills while raising her daughter, so she started working hard in real estate.
She signed up for training in building skills so she could repair the rental housing she owned.
At High Point, Parker received hands-on training in building house structures, performing stone work, and installing roofs.
She said she was able to work in partnership with the men on the team, but there were tensions at times, adding: “To be female in a male environment you have to prove yourself and work twice as hard, ” noting that some men do not accept instructions from a woman.
She said, “It ’ s a mindset that men should overcome. ”
Nicole Goulsby, owner of Red Ladder Residential, a construction company in Raleigh, North Carolina, recalls that when she started running worksites, some men ignored her when she addressed them.
She said her experience of bias faded when she distributed her signed paychecks, and she now notes that there are more women on the crews she contracts, whether they ride boards or paint.
Golsby explained that women build relationships easily and are more attentive to details, making them suitable for her field of work.
Nicknamed “Becky Nicky, ” Golsby said,“ I see things that no one else sees, and that ’ s why I do my job well. ”
The construction industry is also attracting more minority women.
An analysis by the Women ’ s Policy Research Institute found that the number of female construction apprentices between 2016 and 2019 nearly doubled, while Latinas recorded the largest increase of any race.
If we look at Ferridiana Cerato who graduated from college in 2020 with a double major in history and Spanish without being able to find any job that would enable her to benefit from her education well, she decided to try construction management.
Cerato took courses and received some certificates, including a certificate in welding.
She is now a project engineer in Indianapolis.
The job requires toughness, the 24-year-old says, with a lot of conversational “that doesn ’ t conform to HR rules ” and dealing with cynicism at times.
Cerato is one of three women in a team of nine managers and the only Latina among them.
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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

The average salary of an electrician was $59,000 in 2021, and the average salary of a construction manager was $98,500 in 2021, making these careers attractive to women.

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

However, a quarter of women in construction experienced sexual harassment, and half of women surveyed faced frequent or persistent unequal treatment.

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

attitudinal biases at work
sexual and workplace harrassment

Despite these challenges, female construction apprentices nearly doubled between 2016 and 2019, and Latinas recorded the largest increase in construction apprenticeships.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What specific groups of women have been entering the construction industry in greater numbers recently?

In China, women make up 14% of China's construction workers, up from 10% in 2004, and a third of workers on some construction sites in China's big cities are women.

Title:

Content: Aging spawns the phenomenon of "iron girl" Mainland women enter heavy industry
Social Hotspot 14: 42 2021 / 08 / 12
Share:
Due to labor shortages caused by low birth rates and an aging population, Chinese women are increasingly taking on long-male-dominated heavy labor in construction, transportation and other industries, contrary to traditional gender roles in China ’ s vast labor market.
The Wall Street Journal reports that China ’ s total workforce has been shrinking for years, in part because state policies have limited the size of families.
According to census data, the proportion of the working age population aged 15 to 59 in China has fallen from 70% a decade ago to 63% in 2020, to nearly 900 million people.
The Chinese government is trying to expand the workforce by encouraging couples to have more children and is considering delaying the retirement age.
The number of women workers in the heavy industry is growing fast
At present, most women in China still work in service industries such as retail and catering.
The researchers note that women who switch to construction and transportation are at greater risk of harm and sexual harassment, which used to be dominated by men.
China ’ s aging population faces recruitment difficulties, young people refuse to sell out to the manufacturing industry
The Politburo of the Central Committee announced the implementation of the three-child policy
The latest figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics show that at the end of 2018, nearly 9.5 million women were employed in the construction industry, equivalent to 14% of the total number of construction workers, up from 10% at the end of 2004.
According to the researchers, the official data may underestimate the actual number of women workers in the construction industry, as many women are hired through temporary employment agencies and are not considered regular employees.
Sarah Swider, a sociologist at Wayne State University, has studied construction sites for more than 10 years. Swider said that the number of women working on construction sites has grown rapidly, so employers have set up separate living areas and bathrooms for them.
These women also have to do double the work: in addition to the routine work of moving bricks and making cement, they also have to do laundry and cooking for male workers. The average salary of these women workers is generally about half that of male workers, Swider said.
Women are not as good as men in terms of salary in some jobs.
Researchers who study China ’ s labor force and gender issues estimate that about a third of workers on some construction sites in China ’ s big cities are women, up from almost zero in the 1980s.
Eight years ago, women made up just over one-tenth of construction workers, according to a survey of more than 6,000 construction workers in nine cities by a nonprofit labor rights group in Beijing.
The women ’ s work gradually expanded from cooking and cleaning to screening sand and operating machinery, these people said.
[China Population Census] Statistics Bureau: Old age becomes a long-term important national situation
[Population crisis] Northeast advanced aging two factors are difficult to resolve
Emily Honig, a historian at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said that in the Mao era, female workers were called "iron girls" and were a symbol of gender equality, but after Deng Xiaoping came to power, women's heavy industry was no longer popular as China's wealth increased.
But “now, with labor demand changing again, this Mao era directive seems to be back to square one. ”
A gender pay gap indicator released by the International Labor Organization in 2018 showed that women globally are paid on average nearly 20% less than men, the gender pay gap in China is slightly higher than the global average at 21%, and the gap in the United States is lower at 15%.
Editor-in-Chief: Li Bingqi
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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

However, women's average salary is about half that of male workers in construction, and China's gender pay gap is 21%, higher than the global average.

Labor shortages caused by low birth rates and aging population drive change, and women globally are paid 20% less than men on average.

In the maritime industry, women represent 1.2 percent of the global seafarer workforce, but there has been a 45.8 percent increase in women seafarers since 2015.

Title:

Content: Crewing shortages could be addressed with greater inclusion of women

–First Lady tells maritime industry stakeholders
WHILE speaking at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) Gala and Anchor Awards at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday evening, First Lady Arya Ali advocated for greater inclusion of women in the maritime industry through training and job opportunities.

Mrs. Ali served as patron of the Gala and Anchor Awards which honours stalwarts in the cargo and cruise industry for their accomplishments and positive impact on the Caribbean shipping and maritime sector.
This year, the Gala and Anchor Awards was held under the theme: “Talent in your backyard”. Noting that talent exists here in the Caribbean, Mrs. Ali posited that talent is underutilised when women are unable to access opportunities and contribute to the development of the region’s maritime industry.

She drew attention to the fact that women represent only 1.2 per cent of the global seafarer workforce as per the BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report, underscoring that this represented a positive trend in gender balance, with the report estimating 24,059 women serving as seafarers, which is a 45.8 per cent increase compared with the 2015 report.

“Now, imagine if we were to make more opportunities available to women in the maritime sector, how many of our challenges could be addressed – including crewing shortages,” she told a gathering of almost 200 people, which included executives from some of the largest shipping and cruise line companies in the Caribbean.

With the global shipping industry suffering acute crewing shortages, particularly among officers, the First Lady said that this is the ideal time for companies and agencies to think about greater inclusion of women in the industry.
“Important in all of this is ensuring we create an environment in which women are identified and selected for career development opportunities in the maritime industry,” she said, adding that the Government of Guyana remains committed to supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women through gender specific fellowships and other opportunities.

She highlighted an ongoing collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Atlantic Alliance Maritime and Offshore Training Institute – a 100 per cent woman-owned Guyanese company – through which 100 women from the hinterlands are being provided with scholarships for maritime training.
Mrs. Ali said that efforts like these must continue with support from partners like ACMF, which has since provided scholarships to 42 Guyanese.

“…it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge the 42 scholarships which have been provided to Guyanese through the Foundation for Maritime Training. As Guyana’s maritime sector continues to rapidly expand, these kinds of investments in local companies and in our human resource will prove to be invaluable to our nation’s development,” she said.

Mrs. Ali also used the opportunity to urge players in the industry to reassess their individual and collective roles – both at the national and regional levels – and to rethink as industry professionals, government officials, diplomats, experts, and even advocates how they could build an industry that is more resilient, reliable, and inclusive.

The event was attended by a number of officials including President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley; President of the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Professor Andrew Spencer; President of ACMF, Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger; and Director-General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Rear Admiral Peter Brady among others.

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

The UAE has launched the "Leaders in Difference" initiative to empower women in the maritime sector, and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure promotes gender equality in the maritime industry.

Title:

Content: Energy and Infrastructure Launches ‘ Leaders in Difference ’ Initiative
T + T - normal size
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the “Leaders in Difference ” initiative, which is dedicated to empowering women in all fields, especially in the maritime sector.
The initiative aims to qualify experienced female talent capable of making a difference in the industry, in order to help promote the growth of the maritime sector in the UAE, based on its leading global position.
This comes within the framework of efforts on the empowerment of women within the strategic plan of the International Maritime Organization and in line with the celebration of the International Day of Women in the Maritime Sector
The UAE places a high priority on empowering female talent in the maritime workforce by nurturing young female talent and providing them with the necessary resources to excel, as this contributes to strengthening the sector with the capabilities of future female leaders.
Engineer Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, said: “We need skilled competencies in the maritime sector of both sexes, like any other industry, and our main goal should be to recruit enhanced talent to ensure the growth of the sector.
We need to change all preconceptions about the industry, discovering a diverse and young group that is able to keep up with its continuous development.
Today, maritime academies and institutions focus on the need to inject the maritime workforce of qualified female talents, this is the required role that contributes to the guidance and care of women to provide them with the necessary resources to achieve excellence, and thus we witness the birth of a maritime industry that is renewed by distinguished female leaders.
Engineer Hessa Al Malik, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: The need to promote the role of women in maritime activities has become an issue of unprecedented importance and is receiving great attention at all levels.
The UAE is one of the founders of the IMO Gender Equality Network.
The State also contributed to the preparation of a set of IMO resolutions in the field of women ’ s empowerment, gender equality and the promotion of women ’ s participation in the maritime sector, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially the fifth goal on gender equality.
The UAE is also currently chairing the Association of Arab Women in the Maritime Sector, in cooperation with the Technical Cooperation Programme of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in supporting women in the maritime sector.
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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also launched the International Day for Women in Maritime on May 18 annually, and the Women in Maritime Network was created to support women in the industry.

Title:

Content: Pausing To Reflect Around IMO's International Day For Women In Maritime

Four years ago, I was walking with my daughter in the pram during lockdown and thinking about ways in which to stay connected with people in the short term...
UK Transport
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Four years ago, I was walking with my daughter in the pram during lockdown and thinking about ways in which to stay connected with people in the short term, but also to create something that can have a future. I wanted this initiative to have a focus and a cause, and so our Women in Maritime Network was born. Over the past few years we have brought together clients and contacts from our offices around the world, with a joint aim to progress and support those already in the industry as well as to inspire the next generation. The network has been on real a journey - from virtual webinars and workshops to in-person networking events and thought provoking panel discussions.

In 2022, the IMO launched the International Day for Women in Maritime to take place annually on 18 May to celebrate the women in the industry but also to encourage the industry as a whole to look at itself and at how it can improve its diversity and inclusivity. Shortly after the launch, we had a thought provoking discussion with Lena Gothberg, the producer of the Shipping Podcast, who highlighted the changes that needed to be made and that it was everyone's responsibility to make a change whether it is through marketing, recruitment policies, flexibility for families or commercial incentives.

While I was hopeful, I wasn't convinced the message was being heard.

2024 has changed that.

As this year progresses I am hearing more and more inspiring stories - it is exciting. From small changes, such as a male manager including the more junior woman's name alongside his on documents. This showed that not only was she was involved in the content of that document but that he considers her on an equal footing – simple yet powerful. I saw institutional changes too, including more and more newly created women's networks in organisations that have been historically conservative. I was moved by the hurdles that these women had to jump in order to get the network approved. The sheer grit and determination required to drive change for the women who are following them was evident.

More than ever we are seeing gender diversity linked targets being a priority across multiple deals. Last year the London office advised ABN AMRO on the US$200m sustainability and gender diversity linked loan to Navigator Gas and our Athens team advised Citi and BNP Paribas on the $2.8bn sustainability- and gender diversity-linked facility to GasLog Ltd. But its not just us, we're seeing this trend across the shipping market as a whole, coming together for actionable change to collectively to address the environmental impact of the industry through regulation, technology and financial incentives – in particular incentivising gender diversity in shipping loan agreements. This is a trend that we expect to continue throughout 2024 and beyond.

I recently finished a nine month secondment at UKEF where I watched some truly stand out women making an impact - not only in the executive committee, but in managerial roles throughout the department. UKEF have since vowed to increase SME support fivefold, with a focus on SMEs that are underserved, such as ethnic minority and women-led businesses. What a fantastic example to set.

Spring 2024 has also seen the Flexible Working Act passed into law so that employees are now able to request flexible working arrangements from day one of their employment, instead of having to wait 26 weeks. This is music to the ears of many carers who need to be able to work flexibly to make the puzzle of working life fit together.

Just this week I was at an event to celebrate the Women in the Maritime industry, with excellent discussions and enthusiasm for the changes to come. Despite all this positive momentum, there is an alarming amount of work still to do - from educating the younger generations on the variety of career options, to finding ways to retain and promote senior female talent in organisations, there are a number of tangible things than can be done to help progress gender equality in the industry.

Is it too soon to say that tides are turning (pun intended)?

Yes, but to have so much good news and being only May gives me hope for what is to come.

No pressure June to December, but there is a lot to live up to.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Pausing To Reflect Around IMO's International Day For Women In Maritime

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What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

In the United States, women constitute only 24% of the total waste management workforce, but companies promoting gender equality see positive business impacts.

Title:

Content: Women Breaking Barriers in Waste Management

A quiet but significant revolution is underway in the gritty world of skip hire and waste management, where heavy machinery and hard hats have long been synonymous with the male workforce. Women are securing roles traditionally dominated by men, reshaping the landscape of the waste management industry.

Gender diversity in waste management industries like skip-hire has long been a challenge. Data has shed light on the underrepresentation of women in specialist roles and, industry surveys report that women constitute only 24% of the total waste management workforce in the US.

Historically, we can trace the reason for this gap back to several factors. One significant reason has been the physical nature of the work, often involving heavy lifting, manual labour, and the operation of machinery. These physical demands led to misconceptions that the field was better suited for men. Gender stereotypes have played a significant role, perpetuating the idea that women do not have the necessary skills or interest in waste management.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has invested extensively in research on the role of gender in waste management. They have deemed it critical to recognise the importance of promoting gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields such as skip hire, from gender diversity bringing a wealth of benefits such as providing diverse perspectives to addressing labour shortages that the industry faces.

However, the benefits of promoting gender diversity in the waste management sector aren’t exclusive to women; they extend to their employers as well. According to a recent report by FP Analytics, “Women as Levers of Change,”, companies that actively promote gender equality across all levels have demonstrated tangible positive business impacts. These include heightened competitiveness, increased profitability, and a stronger commitment to environmental responsibility.

Women Breaking Barriers in Waste Management

As attitudes shift towards viewing “waste as a resource”, and the industry pivots away from landfilling towards waste prevention and circular economy principles, more women are discovering the sector as an appealing career choice. From skip truck drivers navigating city streets with finesse to women managing recycling, waste management and skip-hire companies and advocating for diversity, their contributions are reshaping the industry’s future.

Nathalie van de Poel, Commercial Manager and co-creator of the Purified Metal Company (PMC) exemplifies a woman taking a leadership role in the waste management sector. PMC, a state-of-the-art processing plant situated in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, specialises in recycling hazardous steel scrap into premium raw material:

“The idea to recycle asbestos-contaminated steel was born 10 years ago.” Overcoming countless obstacles, including securing €70 million in funding and hiring 30 employees, PMC has finally reached fruition. “It was a long journey, with some saying it was impossible, but we stayed strong and built a solid business case.”

Another example of women leading the way in waste management is Maria Willshee, a founding Director of Willshees, a Midlands-based waste and recycling business. Recognised as a Top 200 UK women-powered business by global private bank J. P. Morgan, Willshee’s secured the 59th position in its annual UK Women-Powered Business Report.

And recognised in last year’s list were sisters Heather Gould and Hilary Hart, principal owners of waste management specialist CSG. Based in Fareham, their four daughters also work as part of the business, while half of its eight directors are women.

Women like Nathalie van de Poel,  Maria Willshee, Heather Gould and Hilary Hart aren’t only contributing to recycling and waste management at the highest level; they are also making a difference at the community level. In 2018, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) embarked on a groundbreaking global survey targeting women working within the waste sector. For the first time, this unique endeavour asked women to classify their work using Ad Lansink’s waste hierarchy, often referred to as “Lansink’s Ladder.” The findings from 73 countries revealed that 51.6% of respondents were engaged in waste prevention, reuse/repair, and recycling. Highlighting the substantial role that women play as managers of household waste, their critical contributions form the backbone of responsible waste management and have a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and community well-being.

But how can we encourage more women into the industry as a whole? According to Skip Hire Glasgow specialist James David, fostering inclusivity in hiring practices is a good starting place.

Waste management and skip-hire companies can proactively embrace strategies to foster inclusivity in their hiring practices, by first recognising the importance of a diverse workforce. One such approach is reevaluating traditional hiring processes to be more inclusive. This includes rewriting job descriptions to emphasise skills and qualifications over gender or background, ensuring job postings reach a broader audience through diverse channels, and actively seeking out untapped talent pools. Skip hire companies that prioritise diversity not only bolster their internal culture but also project a positive image to the public and potential clients, positioning themselves as socially responsible and equality-driven businesses.

Partnerships with vocational schools and community organisations can play a pivotal role in encouraging individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to explore careers in waste management and skip hire for example. And this fresh approach, says James David of JustHire, is precisely what the industry needs:

“Inclusivity in hiring practices is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage that propels the skip hire industry forward. We should celebrate the women who are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse industry, for their inspiration and resilience. The further potential for women in waste management and skip hire is promising, and inclusive business practice and a heightened awareness of the positive impacts of gender equality on companies all present a win-win scenario.”

Companies that think creatively about investing in recruitment programs will ultimately benefit the most. By intentionally attracting a more diverse range of candidates, including more women, they can help transform the landscape of the waste management industry for the better.

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Diverse workforce brings benefits to waste management companies, and inclusive hiring practices can foster diversity in the industry.

Women are securing roles traditionally dominated by men in waste management, and gender diversity is critical in traditionally male-dominated fields.

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

The construction and maritime industries are not the only fields where women are breaking down traditional gender barriers, as women are also assuming roles in male-dominated areas like driving and construction.

Title:

Content: Careers

Female transit trucker on navigating gender hurdles

Industries traditionally dominated by men are making meaningful efforts to attract more women to their workforces. But just how do they get the balance right?

It’s a concern Irene Naliaka, now in her tenth year as a professional driver working with Sahara Motors, wrestles with.

They transport imported vehicles from the Mombasa Port to Kampala, Uganda.

Her interest in driving led her to seek a job in the field.

"I was desperate for a job and I had to question myself as to what I could do comfortably. I had tried my hand on a lot of things, but then driving earned it."

Women can assume roles in male-dominated areas. But the reality of being a woman only hit Ms Naliaka when she started working.

"Driving for me is a hobby, so it never seemed strange when I took up the work offer. However, I was the only woman on the team but they made it easy for me to blend in."

Ms Naliaka says she has become better at the work with time.

"I am looking forward to driving even harder machines, such as the top loader operators,'' she says.

Her first trip was not easy. ''It was a decision that I had made and I knew that I wanted to drive, but I was not ready for it to be honest. I remember when one of my sisters asked me if I was normal and that I should look for a different job,'' she says.

Read: The future of women at work

As a mother of four with a nine-month-old baby, it was hard for her.

"On my first assignment, I turned up with my baby, I had my son's bag and my bag. My employer thought it was a joke that I was travelling with a little baby, but then I didn't have anyone to look after him and I needed to get the job done," she says

Ms Naliaka's first trip to Kampala took more than 24 hours, whereas drivers are expected to reach Kampala in 16 hours. Many working mothers struggle with the challenges of getting ahead in their careers and the guilt of not being home all the time.

How will I manage to be part of my children's life? Will my absence be worth it? How will I explain to them that I have to be away? These were the questions that stalked Ms Naliaka.

She talks of restraining her duties as a mother and trying to find balance. Mostly, Ms Naliaka would be on the road for four days and get three days to be home and vice versa if the cycle changed.

Before her travel, she says, "I have to make sure I sleep well because our highways can be very terrible. I wake up as early as 5 am so that I talk to my little boys and see them off for school by 6 am."

"I then prepare and leave the house at 8 am because I need to be at the car pickup point by 10 am to manage the clearance process and be ready to leave at around 3 pm. We leave Mombasa in a convoy, which means we have to journey as a team to Kampala,’’ she adds

According to Ms Naliaka, the power of choosing to be a working mom cannot be underestimated. She has to deal with being a fatigued parent though it gets better with time.

How did she find her voice?

"At the beginning of 2013, my husband was involved in a serious car accident, he lost two spinal discs, the L5 and thorax 7 and that left him immobilised. Two years after the accident, I had to find something to do as his medication took most of my savings. So I had to put food on the table and make sure he got his medication. My husband had his reservations at first, but these were his words, 'I know you are a strong woman, you can do it, but this is too hard'," Ms Naliaka says.

She continues, " It was not easy, we had fights in between because of the long absence, but in the end, it worked after he saw that I could do it. At the moment he is slowly regaining his mobility."

Her husband is a maths teacher.

Does she have moments when she feels like she should take a seat back from the industry?

"Yes. When I started, the migration process was a thorn in the flesh situation. I used to waste hours to be cleared and that interfered with my travel back home. But I came to make terms with the slow clearance," she says.

It also meant pacing herself because work and mothering need to be done.

Irene Naliaka poses for a photo on March 04, 2024 at Nation Centre building in Nairobi. PHOTO | BILLY OGADA | NMG

Challenges

"The roads are never the same, the weather keeps changing every time," she says.

"In the Rift Valley, we sometimes get hailstorms just out of nowhere. That's when professionalism comes in, you slow down, use the lights to indicate because you've got to manage your space, use the heater to heat the car and the windscreen to clear the precipitation. There was a time when I couldn't do it because it was too intense, so I'd just pulled over to the roadside and wait for the storm to clear,’’ she adds.

She has also encountered her fair share of ruthless truck drivers.

''Women are naturally wired to be soft, in some cases, you might be driving and enjoying your moment and a truck honks carelessly and it might frighten you to lose track.''

Ms Naliaka also recounts how unfair the male-dominated industry might be for women.

"Men feel we are fighting for their position. From my experience and the type of work I do, men don't want women on the roads. There was a time when a boss told a short lady that she could not drive, but there are short men on the job too," she points out.

Read: What women leaders sacrifice to 'have it all'

As women continue to break through the glass ceiling and navigate their way in the workplace, Ms Naliaka is proud to have had only one accident in 10 years.

"You have to be brave, be yourself, be bold, don't be afraid to speak up because that will always get you through. If it's a 'no, stand firm, if you can't manage it, just speak up. It's always good to ask," she says.

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

Industries traditionally dominated by men attract more women to their workforces, but women face challenges like long hours and guilt of not being home.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

Working mothers struggle to balance career and family life, but women can excel in male-dominated roles with bravery and boldness.

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Male-dominated industries can be unfair to women, feeling threatened, but women are naturally wired to be soft, and can develop professionalism.

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

Challenges like migration processes and ruthless drivers exist, but women can break through the glass ceiling with determination and hard work.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

Women leaders sacrifice to have it all, balancing work and family, and women can pursue lucrative careers in the construction and transportation industries.

Title:

Content: By Conor McCue

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Transportation & Construction GIRL Day returned for the fourth time in five years after the pandemic put it on pause in 2020. The annual event, which is free to attend for girls, is put on by the HOYA Foundation.

It’s geared toward educating young women about careers in the male-dominated construction and transportation industries.

(credit: CBS)

READ MORE: Ptarmigan Fire: Hundreds Remain Evacuated, New Evacuations Ordered After Wildfire Started Near Homes In Summit County

Through the trial and error of flying a drone for the first time, Lilly Gonzales opened her eyes to new possibilities at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Tuesday.

“I almost got one stuck in a tree!” she exclaimed.

Other firsts for the 9 year old included welding and making concrete. Never had her hopes of becoming an electrician or engineer seemed so attainable.

“I just like taking things apart and rebuilding creative things, especially in Minecraft. It’s like my favorite game,” Gonzales said.

“This kind of shows me that I can do anything.”

Gonzales was one of hundreds of girls and young women who attended Transportation & Construction GIRL Day. The event is meant to show young women, ages 8 to 23, who’ve never considered a career in the transportation and construction industry a possibility.

READ MORE: Former Idaho Springs Police Officer, Nicholas Hanning, Faces Civil Lawsuit For Separate Controversial Arrest

“Last year, the construction and transportation industry was an essential industry, so we kept working, and we still need more employees,” said Keller Hayes, Director of Transportation & Construction GIRL.

(credit: CBS)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up only 10.9 percent employees in the construction industry in 2020, an increase from 2016, when the figure was 8%.

Hayes says the opportunities are aplenty for women and the jobs can be lucrative. Part of her organization’s mission is to relay that message to a younger audience.

“There’s so many opportunities and they get paid well,” Hayes said. “In the construction industry, you get 99 cents on the dollar for comparable work to men, in comparison to 82 cents on the dollar.”

On Tuesday, employers hosted dozens of hands-on exhibits in the hopes of creating a lasting spark for attendees. The next challenge will be to nurture it so more new faces pursue a career down the road.

“Girls can do anything, even when it’s hard,” said Gonzales.

MORE NEWS: Denver Weather: Cooler Temperatures Settle In Quickly

“We want you in this industry, how can we help support you in getting you into this industry,” Hayes said.

Conor McCue

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

The construction industry needs more employees, and offers many opportunities for women, and girls are encouraged to pursue careers in male-dominated industries through events.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

The Transportation & Construction GIRL Day event aims to educate young women about industry careers, and hundreds of girls and young women attended the event.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Women can excel in traditionally male-dominated roles with support and opportunities, and mentorship initiatives can foster confidence for women in technical fields.

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Content: Seatrade Maritime is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

5 key takeaways for DEI in maritime

Photo: Diversity Study Group
Heidi Heseltine founder of Diversity Study Group
Effective diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are built on clear insight, agreed upon outcomes, and targeted approaches — intentionally working to avoid the inevitable pitfalls of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Drawing on data-led insights from members of the Diversity Study Group (DSG), Founder Heidi Heseltine offers 5 key insights on getting the basics right in maritime.

1. Building inclusion throughout an organisation’s levels

We know that shipping has made vital progress in recruiting and retaining women in certain sectors over the last few years, with significant effort put in into achieving a more gender balanced workforce. For instance, we’ve seen improvements in closing the gap in more junior/trainee levels and in management positions — though these numbers drop off at head of department and director roles, indicating fewer women in executive and senior roles.

While the knee-jerk reaction to this would be to specifically target greater inclusion only at specific tiers of management — which is often effective and can look great on corporate ESG registers — organisations should look to embed and maintain inclusion efforts at all levels, so that gender-parity is reflected throughout the business whether lower level or higher. After all, we know from well-established research that when women make up 30% in any given decision-making forum they stop being treated as ‘exceptional’ and additional women are not seen as particularly remarkable or threatening. This can be particularly key for creating welcoming spaces and proactively preventing backlash to DEI efforts, where possible. If the goal is embedding sustainable and resilient DEI practices, then our focus must be on ensuring that having women in all spaces in reasonable numbers is not the exception, but the rule.

2. Avoiding seeing women in maritime as a monolith

Women are diverse in their requirements of a workplace and its culture, and should not be lumped into a single group defined by our presumptions. When considering what DEI approaches work best at sea or even on shore, we need to account for the fact that our global workforces are culturally diverse and have different levels of awareness when it comes to gender, age, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity and gender identity, amongst others. Societal norms, local legislation, and what is understood as ‘diverse’ can vary based on lived experience as well as the demographics of those involved. Understanding what is important to the women in individual workplaces and how we as an industry can support them will help us develop appropriate action plans for the short and long term.

3. Creating support systems to enable gender parity in technical positions

Technical positions, fleet and port management are slower to evidence change and inclusion when compared to progress seen in more traditionally female-led fields like maritime finance, Human Resources (HR), and Communications and Marketing. Organisations keen to address this disparity might benefit from creating training programs that include mentorship initiatives, skill-building workshops, and leadership development opportunities tailored to women in technical fields. This can foster confidence for the employee and their co-worker, help establish relationships for them to draw on in the workplace, and ensure they have the sector-specific knowledge and tools that they need to succeed.

4. Fostering relationships and embedding peer support

Following on from the previous point, peer support often plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive workplace but this doesn’t mean that disparities may not persist among different groups of people. Working with DSG, I’ve seen factors such as nationality, culture, ethnicity, and location all help or hinder DEI efforts. This is why it is crucial to closely monitor changes in perceptions, especially during challenging industry conditions, to prevent any employee from feeling undervalued or unsupported since this can impact engagement, efficiency and productivity. It’s important that organisations proactively work to recognise and address any issues in morale, which then helps maintain employee wellbeing and ensures a continued level of performance and investment in the organisation’s goals. Regular feedback mechanisms and evolving and updated policies can help support better company culture.

5. The support of leadership in successful DEI practices

Data from our members at DSG indicates that simply having knowledge of an organisation's commitment to equality, with good intentions evolving to well-researched and considered action and policy, significantly boosts confidence in fair treatment. This is often irrespective of group affiliations benefiting from such policies — everyone benefits from the process.

This confidence in a company’s commitments not only supports recruitment and retention — as establishing a sense of belonging and fairness often attracts dedicated workers and keeps them — but often helps elevate the public and private profiles of the organisation and its leaders.

The future of our workforce is global; to remain competitive within and outside of our industry, embedding fair practices and equality is likely to be a key differentiator for success.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Peer support plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive workplace, and leadership support is crucial for successful DEI practices.

Having women in all spaces is key to creating welcoming spaces, and organisations should embed inclusion efforts at all levels.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

DEI initiatives are built on clear insight and targeted approaches, and women are discovering waste management as an appealing career choice.

Waste management companies can benefit from partnering with vocational schools, and women's contributions are reshaping the waste management industry's future.

In conclusion, the construction and maritime industries are experiencing a shift towards greater gender equality and diversity, with women breaking down traditional gender barriers and exceling in non-traditional roles.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Women can pursue lucrative careers in these industries, and with the right support and opportunities, they can break through the glass ceiling and achieve success.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion, and to provide women with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?