What does it take to encourage more women to pursue maritime careers, enable them to remain in the industry, and support their professional growth? This question was at the heart of the Women in Shipping forum, Resilience, Leadership and the Future of Ukraine’s Maritime Industry, organised by the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine in Odesa on 27 October as part of its cooperation with the Danish trade union 3F.

The forum brought together representatives of trade unions, maritime education institutions, employers, the legal community and international organisations to discuss opportunities for women at every stage of their careers — from choosing a field of study and completing their first practical training to working at sea, pursuing shore-based careers and taking on leadership roles.

MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk welcomed the participants, emphasising that the forum aimed to expand opportunities for women in shipping and the wider maritime industry, both in Ukraine and worldwide.

“This initiative is important for trade union work and the development of the industry. It aims to ensure that women in shipping have more opportunities, take the initiative and contribute to the advancement and development of our industry — in Ukraine and around the world.

“If we want the maritime industry to appeal to young people, we must emphasise that everyone has equal opportunities. Regardless of gender, age or other circumstances, everyone can build a career in shipping and the maritime industry.”

MTWTU works with maritime education institutions, implements joint projects and helps young people gain practical experience. According to Oleg Grygoriuk, it is important not only to talk about opportunities for women but also to create them — from university education to practical training at sea.

Representatives of international organisations also addressed the participants, recognising MTWTU’s work and expressing their support for the advancement of women’s leadership in the industry.

Mikkel Balslev, International Adviser at the Danish trade union 3F, thanked MTWTU for its work in protecting workers’ rights and supporting professional development. He also shared his impressions of visiting Ukraine and expressed his admiration for Ukrainian women who continue to work and develop professionally during the war.
“Despite the extraordinary challenges brought about by the invasion, women across Ukraine continue to study, work, hold leadership positions and contribute to their communities and the development of their respective industries. Your determination is inspiring.”

Beatriz Vacotto, Head of the Maritime Unit International Labour Standards Department, ILO, highlighted the importance of ensuring that international protections for seafarers’ rights address women’s needs and provide them with adequate protection both on board ships and ashore.

“Much remains to be done regarding women seafarers’ rights. We must ensure that international regulations take their specific needs into account and provide them with adequate protection and career opportunities— both on board ships and ashore.”

She also emphasised the importance of women’s voices in international dialogue and the role of trade unions in ensuring that their experiences and needs are heard.

Jacqueline Smith, Maritime Coordinator at the International Transport Workers’ Federation, encouraged female cadets to believe in themselves, support one another and never be afraid to speak up. She stressed that women have every right to be part of the maritime industry and build their careers in it.

“Each of you has the strength of character and determination to confidently chart your own course at sea and become part of this vital global industry.

“You belong in the maritime industry. This is your industry. While you are studying, support and look after one another, communicate openly and never be afraid to speak your mind. Support your trade union and the MTWTU — together, you can make sure your voices are heard.”

Sabine Trier, Deputy General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation, emphasised that attracting more women to the industry is only the first step. It is equally important to create conditions that enable them to remain in the profession, develop their careers and progress into leadership positions.

“Attracting more women to shipping is only half the battle. We must also create the conditions that allow them to stay in the industry, develop professionally and take on leadership roles. This means equal access to maritime education, fair recruitment and promotion practices, and opportunities to undertake cadetship placements and gain the required sea service.

“Women must also be able to move between seagoing and shore-based roles without losing career opportunities.”

Larissa Taylor, Deputy Head of Training at the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), stressed that the maritime industry benefits when women can participate fully in its development, enhance their professional skills and take on leadership positions, both at sea and ashore.

“At IMEC, we firmly believe that talent is not determined by gender. However, providing opportunities alone is not enough to make this a reality. We need support networks, successful role models, access to mentoring and professional organisations, as well as a willingness to invest in the next generation of maritime professionals.”

The forum featured two panel discussions. The first, From Education to Leadership: Opportunities for Women in the Maritime Industry, brought together MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk; Iryna Savelyeva, Acting Rector of Odesa National Maritime University, Doctor of Economics and Professor; Olena Korpalo, Head of the Cargo Warehouse at Prista Oil; and Hanna Reva, a third-year navigation cadet at Kherson State Maritime Academy, who joined the discussion online.

The second panel, Careers at Sea and Ashore: Experience, Employment and Professional Development, focused on career opportunities in shipping, maritime companies and maritime law. The panellists included Georgii Dupikov, Master Mariner and Mentor, representing CMA Ships Ukraine; Diana Mykhailova, Managing Associate and Senior Lawyer at Interlegal; and Nataliia Yefrimenko, ITF Inspector in Ukraine.

For Ukrainian women, this discussion carries particular significance: they must continue their education and build their careers amid war and forced displacement. Their experience, knowledge and ambitions are essential to the maritime industry. Enabling women to fulfil their potential requires tangible opportunities in education, employment and professional development.

We thank 3F, our international partners, speakers and all forum participants for contributing to this important discussion.

Getting more women at sea starts with the opportunities we create today.