Columbia Group, by holding the second She Beyond conference in Manila, emphasized the necessity of creating equal opportunities for women in the maritime industry. This conference, which was part of the Crew Connect Global event, brought together a group of women mariners to share their experiences and explore ways to increase opportunities for women in maritime jobs.
Concerns About Gender Imbalance in the Maritime Industry
According to the latest IMO-WISTA survey on women in maritime published in May 2025, women make up only one percent of the seafarers employed in the surveyed organizations. This statistic highlights the need to attract, retain, and develop women's careers in this industry. Claudia Paszkowitz, Director of Sustainability, Inclusion, and Diversity at Columbia Group, stated at the conference, "We have talked for years about attracting more women to maritime, but attraction is just the beginning. The true measure of progress is whether women have equal opportunities to stay, advance, and build sustainable careers."
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Columbia Group's Support Programs for Women Mariners
Columbia Group assists women newcomers to the profession with various programs, including a mentoring program for female cadets. This program helps women connect with experienced mentors and benefit from practical and supportive guidance. The goal of this program is to create a community of women mariners who support each other, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Columbia also emphasizes investing in the well-being and professional development of seafarers. This includes career advancement programs, educational opportunities, and regular conferences that bring maritime professionals together to exchange ideas and strengthen connections. Additionally, Columbia is committed to supporting seafarers beyond the workplace, including assisting crew members and their families affected by the war in Ukraine.
By providing iCare packages for women mariners, Columbia also addresses the daily needs of women at sea. These practical measures should be accompanied by respectful work cultures, clear job opportunities, and greater accountability in ensuring fair treatment of women throughout their careers.
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