Maritime group push for women’s right in the industry

Manila, Philippines – A maritime group has filed a new resolution urging the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to help in advancing the global seafaring careers of Filipino women mariners.

Angkla Partylist, led by Rep. Jesulito Manalo, filed House Resolution No. 314 last September highlighting the strengths in both character and skill of Filipina seafarers, which he says, are often overlooked in the male-dominated industry.

The group also appealed to various government and maritime stakeholders to create policies and programs that will increase opportunities for women who want to become global seafarers.

The group also asked support for the “She-to-sea Campaign” launched by the non-profit maritime organization Women in Maritime-Philippines (WIMAPHIL). The campaign aims to further the cause of women seafaring and heighten gender sensitivity.

Both campaign and resolution hopes to enlighten ship owners on the carious employments issues facing women seafarers as well as working with government agencies such as DOLE and MARINA to establish programs that will facilitate employment access to the maritime industry for women seafarers.