Emirates News Agency – UAE Maritime Week supports MOEI’s ‘She of Caliber’ initiative

DUBAI, 17th May, 2023 (WAM) — In support of the ‘She of Caliber’ initiative launched last year by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, MoEI, and to commemorate International Women in Maritime Day, UAE Maritime Week organized the Women of Excellence in Maritime Business Round Table Conference”. Held on the second day of this week’s flagship event, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME), the event featured high-achieving female professionals who are playing key roles in transforming the maritime sector at local, regional and global levels.

The roundtable serves as a platform to address the need to empower women in the maritime industry. It focuses on strategies and initiatives aimed at increasing women’s representation in the workforce at all levels. Discussions focused on breaking down barriers, promoting diversity, and advocating for gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields. Additionally, the event highlights the valuable contributions women can make to the industry through their unique perspectives and skills.

It also sheds light on the challenges they face and highlights the importance of a comprehensive policy framework to improve their representation and professional development in the sector.

Nayana Nandkumar, General Manager, Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA), said: “The shipping industry must recognize and embrace the significant value that women bring. Over the years, female maritime professionals have proven their role in navigating ships, managing ports, leading logistics operations, conducting research and expertise in contributing to innovative solutions. Our diverse perspectives and unique experience add enormous value to the industry, fostering creativity, adaptability and wider thinking. By recognizing and embracing women in maritime talent, the industry can benefit from a wealth of untapped potential. This is not only a matter of fairness and equality, but also a strategic need for sustainable growth and development of the industry.”

While the roundtable supported a key United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality, the highlight of the day was the signing of six ‘blue passes’ between the Ministry and prominent maritime entities in the region. An agreement initiative to create a more connected and digitally advanced industry.

There will also be an ‘Innovation Incubator’ on the second day, focusing on the innovation needs of the UAE and the global maritime industry. The conference hosted presentations from established and upcoming technology entities, showcasing their groundbreaking solutions for the industry. The event highlighted the importance of adopting new technologies to improve operational and cost efficiencies.

Emma Howell, Middle East Development Director, Maritime and Cruise Portfolio, Informa Markets, said: “Day 2 of Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East 2023 demonstrated the importance of diversity and innovation in the maritime industry. The Women in Maritime Business Excellence roundtable highlighted increasing women’s participation at all levels necessity, while the Innovation Incubator demonstrates how cutting-edge solutions will shape the future of the industry. As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize diversity and innovation to build a more resilient and sustainable ocean ecosystem.”