Each year, on the 18 May, the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime takes place. Its purpose is to celebrate women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector.
This year’s theme is “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety”, so we took the opportunity to speak to several of our colleagues about their own experiences of working in the maritime sector and what advice they would give to others, here’s what they had to say:
Nancy Michalopoulou, Project Engineer
What motivated you to pursue this career?
I was motivated to pursue this career because shipping is a very important and successful global activity and also, thanks to my mother, who gave me the exposure, opportunities, information and resources to explore and bravely venture into this unconventional occupation.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the maritime industry?
Say yes to opportunities, stay curious, and believe that ahead there are no difficulties but only challenges.
Zlatina Zadrima, Project Manager
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being exposed to such an international multi-cultural world meeting so many different people
What challenges, if any, have you experienced working within a typically Male dominated industry? Disrespect and assumption on my skills based on my gender look and age.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the maritime industry?
Endless opportunities and a dynamic fun world awaits you.
Andrea Bottcher, Senior Marine Engineer
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Every day brings new challenges, some days require good management skills, on other days you dive in deeply into complicated technical discussions and the next day you learn about a new technology. A big part here is to make sure that all LNG/new fuels related rules and regulations are respected with the greatest care, as safety is our first rule, for the operator and the environment.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the maritime industry?
Do it your way, you don’t need to be the loudest at the table but speak up at the right moment. And it helps to find a mentor and friends, who you trust and where there is no such thing as a no stupid question. Only in a safe environment can correct decisions be made, by which we can influence the safety standards of tomorrow.
Further information
Please click here and take a moment to listen to the IMO’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, video message about why the day is important and how we all have a role to play in creating inclusive, empowering and safe working environments for women.