Aisha Buhari, the wife of the president and first lady of the federal republic, has said in Lagos on Tuesday that President Muhammadu Buhari is desirous of seeing more women play an active role in the nation’s maritime industry.
Speaking in an event to mark 2019 Day of the Seafarer with the theme “Gender Equality” with special focus on the empowerment of women in the maritime sector, the first lady called on government agencies, ship owners and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to highlight opportunities for women in the wide range of maritime careers and professions with the view of encouraging them to participate.
Represented by Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the vice president, the first lady stressed the need for women to know there are equal opportunities for both men and women in shipping.
She called on all government agencies in the maritime sector to ensure the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, aimed at attaining gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in Nigeria.
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She, however, called for the education of young girls on the opportunities and benefits derivable from being a seafarer and to dissuade them from the belief that seafaring is only meant for men.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dakuku Peterside, director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), organisers of the event, described the event as an opportunity to appreciate the contribution of women in the industry and to encourage more women to take up careers in seafaring and other areas of the maritime industry.
In addition, he said the event was aimed at drawing attention to the issues of women empowerment and the need to eliminate various forms of discrimination against women in terms of employment as well as career progression.
Peterside pointed out the need for the government to develop policies that would lead to equal opportunity and fair treatment of women.
“Aside from being a fundamental human right, gender equality is essential to achieving peaceful societies and sustainable development as research has shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth. Women equality and empowerment is not only an objective that must be achieved but is part of the solution, “ he said.
Stating that NIMASA in addition to 304 female cadets trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), he assured the agency would going forward, pay greater attention to training female seafarers in specialised courses to enable them to take up professional responsibilities in specialised vessels.
“In addition, we will sensitise industry operators and players on the significance and economic importance of bridging gender inequality and the need for men to support women towards reaching their potential and navigating workplace challenges, “ he said.
He, however, said the NIMASA resolve to implement New Cabotage Compliance Strategy (NCCS) that suspends waiver on Cabotage manning, will enable the placement of women onboard vessels.
Hassan Bello, executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), who described the glorious days of Nigerian seafarers as the years of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), said Nigeria needs a private sector-led the national fleet to enhance women participation in seafaring, particularly onboard vessels.
He said Nigeria also needs to invest in training of seafarers and national fleet that would help in actualising some of the objectives of the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP), adding that there is need for more women to go to nautical colleges and universities.
Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, president of World Maritime University who gave her goodwill message via Skype, said Nigeria needs to remove all cultural and structural barriers that impede women participation in seafaring because increasing gender diversity means an increase in diverse ideas in the maritime sector.
She advised Nigeria to take career talks to children in primary and secondary schools through mentoring programmes.
AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE
