Vanuatu Women in Maritime (VANWIMA) celebrated Pacific Women in Maritime (PACWIMA) Day Saturday, 18 May.
Director of Ports and Marine, Henree Worek speaking on behalf of the Minister responsible for Maritime affairs, Christopher Emilee, he congratulated VANWIMA for organizing such event and for challenging a man-dominated work force.
He also emphasised strongly for women in Vanuatu to become more involved in the maritime industry.
“So far we have only few captains and two graduate engineers who serve on-board vessels. Most women in maritime tend to be part of the onshore pool of employment whilst majority of females are on-board cruise ships but not in maritime trade qualification which Vanuatu woman need to involve more in that area” Worek stressed.
President of VANWIMA, Mary Navaika said the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) encourages member countries to support the participation of women in both shore-based and sea-going posts.
She also highlighted the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 which is “Achieve gender equality and empower woman and girls".