Inclusive Work Environments Deemed Key to the Shipping Industry’s Long-Term Success
By: , March 18, 2024
Photo: Contributed
Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman (centre), joins members of the Executive of the Women in Shipping Trade Association (WISTA) Jamaica in cutting the ribbon to officially launch the local chapter. They are (from left) Director of Membership, Nicole Wickham; Director of Capacity Building and Special Programmes, Kishan Gordon-Chambers; Director of Finance, Clover Moodie; Director of Marketing and Communications, Monique Morrison; Vice President, Anna Hamilton, and Director of Administration, Valrie Campbell. The launch was held at the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ).
Photo: Contributed
Acting Director, National Shelter, Bureau of Gender Affairs, Rochelle Graham-Barnes, addresses the recent launch of the Jamaica Chapter of the Women in Shipping Trade Association (WISTA). The event was held at the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ).The Full Story
Promoting inclusive work environments for women in shipping, where they feel valued, respected and supported, is deemed essential for the industry’s long-term success.
This, according to Director of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Sharon Coburn Robinson.
“Inclusivity means access granted. Recognising and valuing women’s untapped potential allow us to foster their inclusion in the industry so that we can leverage their diverse perspectives. Women’s unique skills and lived experiences can, therefore, be used to drive innovation and improve decision-making,” the Director emphasised.
Mrs. Coburn Robinson’s message was read by Acting Director, National Shelter, Bureau of Gender Affairs, Rochelle Graham-Barnes, during the recent launch of the Women in Shipping Trade Association (WISTA) Jamaica.
The event was held at the Shipping Association of Jamaica’s Portview Club.
Mrs. Coburn Robinson pointed out that gender stereotypes and other structural barriers continue to discourage women from pursuing careers in shipping, noting this ultimately means their exclusion.
The Director argued that it is essential for women in the traditionally male-dominated industry to challenge the stereotypes, break structural barriers and reposition themselves as pivotal to granting access to the industry by other females.
Mrs. Coburn Robinson said the Government through the legislative framework, specifically the National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE), promotes the creation of an enabling environment for women’s inclusion.
This, she noted, involved focused action, including promoting role models.
She congratulated WISTA for doing an excellent job in highlighting successful women in the industry at all levels, citing this as a very effective way of demonstrating that gender is not a barrier.
“Inspiring inclusivity for women in shipping, maritime and trading requires collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders. By working together, we can create a more equitable and diverse maritime workforce that drives innovation and growth in the industry,” Mrs. Coburn Robinson explained.
The Director was speaking against the background of the theme of the launch – ‘Promoting Inclusivity’ – which she pointed out was aligned with the local International Women’s Day theme for 2024 – ‘Investing in Women and Girls in Leadership to Accelerate Gender Equality, Equity and Socio-Economic Empowerment’.