Lies, damn lies and shipping statistics – let us celebrate International Women’s Day 2024.

The statistics for women in maritime paints a gloomy picture of life at sea. We hear a constant echo of the 2% figure banded about.

And while, yes, this figure when viewed globally is correct, it skews the reality that so many of women at sea and and ashore experience. The truth is some merchant fleets are much better at diversity recruitment than others. As are many shore-based shipping and maritime businesses. But let’s not allow hard facts to get in the way of a good story!

I have now been in shipping for over 32 years. I have of course been in the minority as a woman in this sector. This has been true when I was at sea as it has been ashore.

This does not mean that I have been the lone woman or without positive role models. You see even before the age of social media visibility, the women in this sector have always supported their fellow sisters, and there are many men who have supported them as ardent allies too. The support network for women in maritime has and will continue to strengthen over the coming years. This is particularly so where the visibility of women in maritime roles continues to increase.

My journey has seen me benefit from positive mentoring and influence from a range of women and men in leadership roles. I try where possible to pay forward to the next generation too, as success is achieved where skills, experience and confidence are nurtured.

Being part of inclusive networks has also been a key to this. And this inclusion has come from many sources; MPCUK, HCMM, NI, Trinity House, LMAA, and WISTA just to name a few.

So, on the day of International Women’s Day 2024, I remain engaged and thankful to be part of this diverse industry. And take comfort that the women in maritime of all generations and disciplines that I make this journey with are far more in number and in influence than the statistics would ever have you believe.

Article written by Helene Peter-Davies.