,Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 18 (ANI): Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday highlighted a remarkable increase in women seafarers in India’s maritime sector over the past decade, recording a 649 percent growth. He made these remarks at the inaugural event of the International Day for Women in Maritime celebrations held in Mumbai.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the number of women seafarers rose from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024. Since 2014, around 2,989 women seafarers have received financial assistance. Due to the government’s sustained encouragement, the number of women seeking such aid increased from just 45 in 2014-15 to 732 in 2024-25. The participation of Indian female seafarers on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels is steadily growing.
At the event, Sonowal unveiled the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS) policy, an initiative aimed at creating a gender-equitable maritime workforce prepared for the future. This policy focuses on increasing women’s participation across the maritime sector—from dockside roles to decision-making boards. It provides a structured roadmap to bridge the gender gap in seafaring and shore-based jobs, addressing safety, leadership, retention, and skill development, while aligning with the Government’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) objectives.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Sonowal emphasized the importance of empowering women to foster growth and resilience throughout the maritime ecosystem. He engaged with nearly 100 women seafarers present at the event. He said, “This day is essential to celebrate women through their recruitment, retention, and sustained employment in the maritime sector. This year, IMO is celebrating the theme ‘An Ocean of Opportunities for Women,’ which aligns with the 2025 World Maritime Day theme: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity. We must introspect and work towards raising the profile of women in maritime and strengthening their presence.”
Highlighting the government’s efforts, Sonowal referred to the Maritime India Vision 2030, which includes the ‘Women in Seafarer’ program that promotes onshore jobs, awareness campaigns, incentives for shipping companies, and scholarships to boost women’s participation.
Citing data, the Union Minister stated, “Empowering women in maritime is not just about equity—it’s a strategic necessity. Their leadership brings innovation, strength, and a sustainable future for the sector. Our Nari Shakti is a fundamental pillar of the new Bharat, contributing tremendously to nation-building.”
Sonowal added, “Sagar Mein Samman is an initiative to create an enabling environment for more women to join the maritime sector. India has witnessed a remarkable 739% surge in registered women seafarers—from 1,699 in 2015 to 14,255 in 2024—marking a decade of steady progress in maritime gender inclusion, a key vision of PM Narendra Modi.”
During the celebrations, the Minister felicitated ten distinguished women from the Indian maritime sector, including Sumita Banerji, Bharati Bhandarkar, Kalpana Desai, Poonam Nagpal, Yen Pinto, Archana Saxena Sangal, Rupali Raj Joshi, Capt Deepti Singh, and Amarjeet Rewari.
Sonowal further stated, “The launch of the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ policy framework shows our commitment to the mental, physical, and professional well-being of women seafarers. This comprehensive policy addresses empowerment, leadership, inclusivity, safety, skill development, and dismantling gender-based barriers.”
He concluded, “We have an ambitious target of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030, aligning directly with national objectives. To our women seafarers here today—you are pioneers and trailblazers who have navigated uncharted waters with courage and determination. This initiative honors your resilience and promises a more inclusive future for generations to come. Together, we will ensure ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ is not just a policy but a transformative movement reshaping India’s maritime landscape.”
The event, held under the theme “Women in Maritime: Leading Transformation and Sustainability,” was organized by the Directorate General of Shipping in collaboration with ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS), Maritime Union of India, and the National Maritime Day Committee. It featured senior government officials, port authorities, maritime professionals, academics, and international bodies, and included a panel discussion on leadership and equity, as well as a ceremony honoring women achievers in maritime.
The celebration reinforces India’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mission for gender inclusion and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (ANI)
About The Author
