Despite progress in gender balance, women currently comprise only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce. This statistic highlights the urgent need for greater inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field. As the maritime sector evolves and faces increasing skills shortages, empowering women is not only a matter of equity — it is a necessity.
“Mainstreaming gender equality in the maritime industry requires a coordinated effort from all parts of the sector,” said Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster.
“We must succeed in making the industry more inclusive... and more women are joining and shaping the sector than ever before,” he added during his opening remarks.
The Ambassador was joined by a distinguished panel of experts with extensive experience in the maritime sector, namely: Mr. Knut Benzrod, Chief Operating Officer of the Norwegian Training Center; Ms. Mailyn Borillo, the first female Managing Director and President of OSM Thome Philippines; and Ms. Daryl Sevilleno, President and General Manager of Solstad Management Philippines, Inc.
The panel shared notable experiences as female leaders in the maritime industry, having risen through the ranks to reach their current executive positions.
Increasing awareness to more young women
“The Norwegian Training Center began offering maritime training scholarships 35 years ago. Since 1993, they have awarded more than 490 scholarships to female seafarers out of a total of 8,100 slots,” said Captain Knut Benzrod.
The Norwegian Training Center’s program has become a vital platform for empowering Filipina women, offering a curriculum focused on leadership and technical skills essential for success in maritime professions.
“We must raise awareness among young women in schools that seafaring is a career path they can pursue,” he added, emphasizing that information campaigns are key to sparking interest among young women in maritime careers.
Ms. Mailyn Borillo highlighted the workforce shortage in the maritime sector, noting that women make up 50% of the global population. She emphasized that this represents a vast, untapped potential for the industry to include more women in its workforce. Captain Knut Benzrod also noted that greater inclusion of women would significantly enhance the skill level and competitiveness of the maritime industry.
A call to action
How can we help turn this goal into reality? Ms. Mailyn Borillo shared that incentivizing maritime companies could accelerate gender inclusivity, particularly in shaping policies within the private sector.
Ms. Daryl Sevilleno emphasized the need to advance policies that ensure women can sustain their careers at sea, while also having the flexibility to transition to shore-based roles should they choose to do so.
Captain Knut Benzrod highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of women on board, which includes not only physical safety but also psychological well-being for female seafarers.
This event aims to spotlight best practices and key initiatives that support women in breaking glass ceilings and navigating a successful future in the maritime industry.
This event aims to spotlight best practices and key initiatives that support women in breaking glass ceilings and navigating a successful future in the maritime industry.
