The maritime sector accounts for roughly 90 per cent of global trade.
It offers a diverse range of jobs for those looking to experience a new working environment with unlimited career advancement.
Despite the maritime industry evolving over time, it is still perceived as male-dominated and women currently make up less than two per cent of the workforce.
It is critical to reduce gender disparities in maritime professions and to encourage women's participation in ocean-related diligence. Consistent efforts are needed to close the gender gap.
Women's roles in the maritime industry are evolving and the potential for women's voices to contribute to these areas, particularly achieving long-term goals, is growing.
Women's roles are likely to change as they gain empowerment through active participation in these male-dominated professions. Women are brilliant and deserving of recognition if they are given the opportunity to work and serve in the same capacities as men.
It is important to look beyond the facile view of women as trophy wives and incorporate women's experiences and knowledge in decision-making processes. Women play important roles in sustainable development, they should be included in policy, governance and decision-making.
As a member of the International Maritime Organisation, a specialised agency of the United Nations, Malaysia is committed to promoting sustainable development to empower women to tackle gender inequalities in the maritime industry.
Malaysia has indirectly increased its commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and support work by implementing a strategic approach to improve the role of women as major maritime players.
In fact, the integration of women into social, political and economic agendas has occurred and consequently, the IMO has recommended that the maritime industry develop women's human resources vigorously.
Equality between the genders must be achieved instantaneously, not tomorrow. Notwithstanding, sustained efforts are needed to capitalise on the opportunity of recognition in terms of encouragement and support for closing the gender gap.
In this regard, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is developing human capital and human resources that will assure the maritime industry's viability.
UMT has been encouraging women to pursue maritime education and, consequently, maritime careers. A knowledgeable generation is a competitive one.
In line with this realisation, UMT is committed to providing the opportunities for partnership with maritime stakeholders and industry players in order to maintain its ecosystem's sustainability.
Several steps have been taken by UMT to meet the needs of future talent, including improving academic and training programmes to ensure more equitable learning outcomes.
Greater mentorship and empowerment of women in the maritime industry from a young age, as well as providing them with more role models in the industry, may be the best way forward to greater gender equality.
There are numerous international networking organisations whose mission is to attract and support women at the management level in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors, including Women in Maritime Associations (Wimas) and the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (Wista International).
The IMO and Wista International aim to promote women's voices in the shipping industry and increase the number of women speakers.
The launch of the Maritime Speakers Bureau is another joint project under the IMO-Wista memorandum of understanding on promoting greater diversity and inclusion through enhanced cooperation in the maritime sector. Via this platform, women in the maritime industry can show their interest in participating in panels, becoming more visible and inspiring others for a sustainable future in the maritime industry worldwide.
The maritime industry is expected to make tremendous strides in the coming decade by increasing the visibility of women leaders who are making bold moves and achieving breakthrough career successes.
As a woman in the maritime industry, I hope to have inspired other women to pursue and achieve their goals.
My advice to all young women out there is to commit to learning and to seek out as many opportunities for exposure and experience in the field as possible.
Always remember that being authentic will get you far.
The writer is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and a Wista Malaysia committee member
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times