Empowering women to navigate the seas not only transforms lives but also reshapes the maritime industry with strength, resilience, and innovation.
Pakistan's maritime industry has enormous untapped potential, not just for economic growth, but also for promoting diversity and gender parity. Historically, the maritime industry has been one of the most male-dominated and exclusive sectors. However, in recent years, the industry has undergone a positive transformation, with increasing efforts to promote the inclusion of women. An encouraging number of women are now entering the field, supported by initiatives aimed to make the sector more accessible and appealing.
As Pakistan aspires to strengthen its maritime economy, the active participation of women can serve as a cornerstone for innovation, diversity, and resilience.
The Importance of the Maritime Sector in Pakistan
Pakistan, with approximately 1,050 km of coastline, including its continental shelf, has been blessed with abundant "blue" natural resources. Its coastline, harbors, marine resources, sea trade, and maritime experts all contribute to the growth of the maritime industry of Pakistan. The maritime sector is the lifeblood of Pakistan's economy, supporting over 95% of the country's trade and facilitating the import of minerals and goods through its vital sea routes. Pakistan has recently reorganised its Ministry of Ports and Shipping, renamed it the Ministry of Maritime Affairs in recognition of the importance of the maritime industry.
Yet, the industry grapples with challenges like a derelict infrastructure, environmental concerns, and a dearth of skilled workers — especially for women’s participation. Increasing women’s participation is not only about social equity, it is also an economic necessity. Research shows that teams including gender diversity outperform those that do not when it comes to creativity and complex problems solving— both essential to the growth of increasingly advancing sector such as the maritime industry.
Women’s Current Role in Pakistan’s Maritime Sector
The international initiative led by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has urged its member states to allow women to work in the shipping industry and maritime organisations ensuring they receive the high-level training required by the maritime industry. In compliance with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to "Promote gender equality and empower women," IMO remains committed to encouraging women’s participation in both shore-based and seafaring tasks. In 2013, IMO launched a new program to merge the MDG3 goals with efforts to boost women's roles in maritime industries. IMO also showcased female success stories in the industry through a film and aimed to improve diversity with a "Global Strategy for Women Seafarers."
In 2014, the Maritime Women Global Leadership Conference emphasised women's leadership roles and the importance of policy, education, and sustainability in the maritime sector. Although a notable increase in female participation in the cruise industry is observed, women are still underrepresented in technical roles. The motivation for women to join the industry often relates to financial needs or a desire to explore the world. Women in onshore maritime jobs, like port services and naval architecture, have higher representation, as these roles are easier to balance with family life. Technological advancements have also made maritime jobs more accessible to women by reducing physical demands. Women in Pakistan’s maritime industry currently represent a small fraction of the workforce. Traditionally confined to administrative and supporting roles, they are now increasingly stepping into technical and leadership positions. The Pakistan Navy, recognising its position as a key player in the maritime sector, is spearheading fostering gender equality in disciplines such as marine scientific research, oceanography, fisheries, and policymaking.
The women in the Pakistan Navy, known as "Women in White," undergo the same rigorous training at the Naval Academy as their male counterparts, although playing supporting roles in fields including education, medicine, public relations, information technology, law, and logistics. Additionally, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Karachi Port Trust are beginning to recognise the value of gender inclusivity and promote women in the maritime sector. Initiatives for training women in maritime engineering, navigation, and logistics are gaining traction.
On World Maritime Day in 2019, the IMO focused on empowering women on the 26th September of every year and highlighted the contributions of the International Maritime Industry to the world's economy. IMO has adopted the theme to promote gender equality, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. At the event, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi praised women's contributions to the maritime sector but noted their potential is underutilised worldwide, including in Pakistan. He stressed the need to create career opportunities for women in maritime roles such as administration, ports, and training institutes.
The Admiral emphasised that empowering women boosts economies, productivity, and growth. With the growing maritime activities linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he urged Pakistan to tap into these opportunities by involving women in the sector. He highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to supporting the development of the maritime sector and the empowerment of women in various maritime-related fields.
Although progress has been achieved, there are still obstacles to overcome, including deep-rooted societal norms, lack of encouragement from families and society, and limited access to technical training. However, the growing emphasis on gender equality, supported by both the government and international organisations, is opening the way for more women to actively participate in Pakistan's marine industry. HH
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