- Expert urges WISTA, WIMA, FESAN to push harder
Amid the celebration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), a maritime amazon and Managing Partner, Hudson Gee Nigeria Limited, Barr. (Mrs.) Gloria Kanabe, has described women inclusion as germane to maritime industry growth and national development.
Speaking at an event by her former employer, Maersk Line, in commemorating the IWD 2024, Kanabe – a first Claims and Legal Manager and also Cluster Manager for Nigeria, Togo and Benin called for more women inclusion in shipping.
Kanabe, who was the first black lady to be featured prominently on Maersk Line’s magazine, stressed that the inclusion of women isn’t just a moral imperative but an essential ingredient for building a stronger and more vibrant maritime sector and nation.
In order to achieve these benefits of inclusion, Kanabe admonished the federal government and organizations to invest in training women, especially for management and leadership roles, even as she endorsed mentorship as a vital tool for success and productivity.
She equally canvassed equity in the workplace and posited that hiring practices must be reorganized in making sure that talents from all backgrounds are given the same opportunity.
“There must be leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion and the importance of setting measurable goals and tracking the progress. Ensure equal pay for equal work and recognise awareness for cultural and religious holidays.”
“We should encourage open communication without oppression and discrimination. There is need for sponsorship of women in organisations and other female advocacy to attend international and local meetings which is a form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” Kanabe stated.
In her paper, titled: “Inspire Inclusion – The Importance of Diversity and Empowerment in Maritime Industry,” she pointed out that women still face barriers in their bid to secure employment opportunities, especially in seafaring.
“According to the International Maritime Organisation,(IMO), women comprise only a small fraction of the Maritime work force particularly in seafaring roles. Additionally, there is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity reflecting broader societal disparities,” she lamented.
She, however, outlined some benefits of inclusion to include provision of diverse perspectives, experiences and skills at the workplace, as well as fostering creativity and innovations.
“Studies have shown that companies with diverse workforces are more likely to outperform their competitors and achieve higher financial returns. Diverse teams are more equipped to understand and serve diverse customers,” she remarked.
Noting that over 90 percent of Country Managers and Directors are male and with most executive roles still inhabited by men, she expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that within the last decade only one female Country Manager of a Major Container Shipping Line has emerged.
Opining that the slow progress in women inclusion points to unseen glass ceiling for women in the industry, Kanabe encouraged women-focused organisations like Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, African Women in Maritime (WIMA) and Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN) to continue their instrumental roles in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the industry.
