VICTORIA, Seychelles — Minister for Transport Veronique Laporte has challenged the maritime industry to move beyond policy commitments toward tangible gender equality outcomes, as Seychelles joined global commemorations of International Maritime Organisation Women in Maritime Day with a forum examining persistent barriers facing female professionals.
The gathering at the Military Training and Support Centre on Ile Perseverance, held under the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence’, brought together women serving across maritime agencies, defence forces, the Seychelles Maritime Academy, and private sector employers.
According to IMOSTA survey data from 2024, women constitute just under nineteen percent of the global maritime workforce, with only one percent of seafarers being female. In national maritime authorities, women account for nineteen percent of staff; in private sector shore-based positions, representation stands at sixteen percent.
Wilnette Joseph, deputy chief executive of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, delivered a personal testimony tracing her career trajectory from intern to senior legal officer and eventually to master’s studies in international maritime law. She described challenges she faced, noting her statements were frequently challenged in spaces where legal perspectives are often weighed against technical expertise.
Minister Laporte called for mentorship programmes, equitable recruitment reforms, and workplace adaptations. She challenged industry leaders to ensure every regulation, training programme, and operational decision reflects genuine commitment to inclusion.
The forum represents growing recognition that maritime sector excellence depends upon full participation of all Seychellois talent.
