Nautical professions are still dominated by men. Worldwide, the proportion of women is just under 1.2%. At around 7.1%, Germany is above this average, but women are still generally in the minority on board.
If a woman decides to pursue a career on board, she is often confronted with challenges. According to a 2021 survey conducted by WISTA International in collaboration with the IMO, two thirds of female seafarers surveyed said they had experienced harassment or intimidation from male colleagues on board. Around 25% reported having witnessed or been victims of sexualized violence on board. In addition, women on board are often underestimated and taken less seriously than their male colleagues due to their gender.
The German Association ‘Frauen zur See’ (Women at Sea) was founded to support women in such situations. Since 1998, it has offered German female navigators a platform where they can look for offers of help and contacts. The association also facilitates the exchange of experiences, the sharing of knowledge and general information about the maritime profession and the industry.
WISTA featuring women at sea
As WISTA is also committed to supporting women in the maritime industry and making them more visible, it was only logical that these two associations should now cooperate.
The cooperation was recently announced at a kick-off meeting of WISTA Germany. Both organizations now want to support each other and network more closely. The cooperation between WISTA Germany and Frauen zur See covers the following points:
- Promoting professional and personal exchange between women in active seafaring and the maritime sectors of the economy
- Implementation of joint projects to increase the proportion of women in maritime professions
- Joint lobbying for more diversity and equal rights in the maritime industry
- Supporting young women and career starters by exchanging experiences, tutoring or mentoring programs.
Have jointly signed a cooperation agreement (from left): Franziska Eckhoff (2nd Chairwoman of WISTA), Melina Bröske (WISTA contact person), Sarah Zimmerer (Chairwoman of the Professional Association of Women at Sea), Irene Rüpke (Secretary of the Professional Association of Women at Sea), Angela Raabe (WISTA Event Manager), Marina Röhl (WISTA Treasurer) and Cathrin Prikker (President of WISTA Germany) © WISTA
