Participation of Women in Shipping: International Strategies, Comparative Analysis and Policy Proposals for Greece
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/ijgs.3559Keywords:
Participation, Women, Policy ProposalsAbstract
Purpose: This paper investigates the participation of women in the maritime sector through a comparative analysis of international strategies and institutional frameworks. It aims to identify the main barriers and drivers influencing women’s engagement in seafaring and shore-based professions and to propose concrete policy directions tailored to the Greek context.
Methodology: The study applies a qualitative, desk-based comparative policy analysis. Primary data were drawn from international and national policy documents, gender equality strategies, and institutional reports (IMO, ILO, EU, WISTA). Secondary academic sources complemented the analysis. Thematic synthesis was used to categorize measures and outcomes across 17 countries, focusing on education, mentoring, safety, and accountability frameworks.
Findings: Results reveal that women’s participation in shipping remains below 2% at sea and 30–40% in shore-based roles. Successful practices combine legal obligations (hard law) with voluntary charters, mentoring, and measurable Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). Effective governance links institutional commitment with data transparency, SASH protection, and visibility mechanisms such as awards and dashboards.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: The paper contributes to policy and practice by designing a “Hellenic Charter for Gender Equality in Shipping” and a national indicator dashboard based on transferable lessons from leading maritime nations. It advances comparative research on gender and blue-economy governance, demonstrating how gender equality enhances competitiveness, ESG performance, and sustainable maritime development.
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Academic / Peer-Reviewed Sources
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