Equal opportunity, representation for women focus at WiMAC conference

WITH EMPHASIS on mobilising stronger systems to support the cause of women within the region, the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) hosted its Regional Conference and Sixth Annual General Meeting at the Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny last week.

Among the highlights of the three-day conference was the launch of the organisation’s chapter at the Caribbean Maritime University, which introduced student representatives to its mission and ongoing work in the region.

WiMAC immediate past president Tamara Lowe-James, in her opening remarks, said the students “represent the hope and inspiration we need to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse maritime industry”.

The conference also saw the election of the body’s general council, which was presided over by Mona Swoboda, programme manager at the Organization of American States Inter-American Committee of Ports, and Professor Dr Momoko Kitada, head of the maritime education and training specialisation, World Maritime University and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Along with Lowe-James, the executive will comprise president Dr Evette Smith Johnson of Jamaica; Tricia King, vice-president, public relations and marketing; director of finance, Ilaisa Lila of Suriname; vice-president, research and development, Suzette Balkaran from Trinidad and Tobago; vice-president of women and development, Katina Benn of Guyana; vice-president, membership and administration, Abigail Bryan of Jamaica; member-at-large, Calita Benjamin, Dominica; and director of corporate affairs, Racquel Forbes of Jamaica.

Held in collaboration with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) and with the support of the IMO, the event was staged under the theme ‘Navigating Horizons: Mobilising Stronger Networks for Caribbean Women Towards a Sustainable Maritime Industry’.

Lowe-James said, “As we navigate these horizons together, let us foster an environment that celebrates diversity, encourages collaboration, and cultivates stronger networks among Caribbean women. We have the power to build bridges that span oceans, ensuring that our voices are heard, our potential is fully realised, and our contributions are recognised.

“As we embark on this collective journey, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant strides we have made in fostering gender diversity and inclusion in maritime industry. However, we must also recognise that there is still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and representation for women in this traditionally male-dominated realm.”

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, praised WiMAC for “consistently tapping into opportunities for personal development”.

“Through your focus on gender-transformative leadership, the WiMAC prioritises the importance of coaching and mentorship for personal and professional growth. Your ongoing and strategic focus on capacity building has created ‘waves’ in the maritime industry and facilitated increased access to maritime training and employment opportunities for several women,” Grange said. She added: “I commend your tireless commitment to targeted advocacy and resolute action to create tangible benefits for your members. Undoubtedly, you are an integral part of the gender architecture.”

She said the ministry would continue to support WiMAC in its pursuit of gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls, charging, “Be tireless and resolute as you continue to empower women across Jamaica and the global arena to become beacons of sustainable development.”

The conference agenda considered current and emerging development trends that impact different areas and subsectors in the maritime sphere and focused on deliberations in the context of women’s rights and access that affect their economic participation and professional development and well-being in the sector. It also provided a forum for exchanging experiences and best practices among maritime women of the region and for the participants to benefit from global experiences and advancements from a range of strategic partner agencies that can be used to form gender-sensitive standards and strategic directions.

These deliberations are expected to contribute to a consensus-based agenda and road map for action and advocacy that actively support and advance the role and contribution of women working in the Caribbean maritime sector.