Maritime UK Solent partners up to encourage more women into the region’s maritime industry

Maritime UK Solent has teamed up with the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) to support and celebrate women in maritime.

The partnership looks to grow the region’s maritime sector by championing gender diversity and inclusivity.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: “We’re excited to partner with WISTA in our joint mission to support women in maritime.

“This collaboration marks a significant step towards encouraging more women to enter this dynamic industry and to promote the pathways available for them to enter the maritime sector.

“Women in leadership roles are making a significant impact, and it’s important that the sector continues to attract the talent it needs for success and that we promote the pathways available for women in maritime.”

WISTA, which turns 50 this year, is an international networking organisation with a mission to attract and support women at the management level in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors.

The organisation held its first social gathering with Maritime UK Solent this July.

Monica Kohli, president of WISTA UK, said: “Our gathering was a fantastic opportunity for our members to connect, share insights, and celebrate together.

“We look forward to our collaboration and to the strong community we continue to build together.

“As WISTA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we celebrate the progress we’ve made and recognise the work that still needs to be done.”

And there is indeed more to be done – a 2021 report from BIMCO and ICS revealed that women currently represent just 1.2 per cent of the global seafaring workforce.