By Laudia Anyorkor Nuno
Tema, May 31, GNA – The Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), Ghana Chapter, has called for stronger implementation of gender equality policies to increase women’s participation in the global maritime industry, where they account for less than two per cent of the world’s seafarers.
Speaking at a maritime forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on the theme: “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” Madam Paulina Abrokwah, National Vice President of WIMOWCA Ghana, said although some progress had been made, significant gaps remained.
Madam Abrokwah noted that while international frameworks and national policies had created opportunities for women, effective implementation remained critical to achieving meaningful inclusion in the sector.
She said the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had introduced a handbook on gender mainstreaming in the maritime sector to guide institutions in translating policy commitments into practical action.
She urged both public and private institutions to conduct gender assessments, develop action plans, set measurable targets, and monitor progress to ensure increased representation of women.
Madam Abrokwah cited Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act as an important framework that could support greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making positions across industries.
She emphasised that gender equality was not only a women’s issue but also a development and economic concern that required deliberate planning and inclusive policies for all workers.
She added that creating equitable opportunities for women would enable the maritime sector to draw from a broader pool of talent and expertise.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor NunooÂ
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