Sri Lanka’s next generation of women seafarers are ready to set sail

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“Everything can be a challenge for young women, because of our age, our culture,” says Nethmi, an aspiring seafarer who is taking part in an ILO supported training programme in the maritime sector.

A largely male-dominated sector, maritime is slowly opening new opportunities for women. Prevailing social and cultural norms, as well as traditional notions around women’s career choices, are proving to be barriers.

Nethmi, Hinduja, Ramodya, and Jurangpathy are among 26 participants of a maritime sector work-based learning programme supported by the ILO and implemented by the National Union of Seafarers in Sri Lanka. The training programme focuses on deck rating and food and beverage service.

The initiative is helping vulnerable and marginalized young people, including women, to access decent work opportunities through skills enhancement. It is creating a pathway for inclusion in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men.

“I was working as a teacher. When I decided to make a switch and pursue a career in the maritime field, my family was initially hesitant. But I stayed determined and continued to explain things to them. Now they are good with it, my graduation from the programme was a proud moment for all of us,” says Hinduja. Her advice to young women is “If you see an opportunity, seize it.”

Undeterred, and laser focused on reaching their goals, this group of young women are showing the world that the maritime sector is for everyone. Empowered with the necessary skills, and fuelled by determination, they are ready to set sail.

The ILO intervention is supported by the Government of Japan and is part of the UPLIFT project.

The International Labour Organization and International Organization for Migration implemented UPLIFT Project is among the Government of Japan’s key development cooperation partnerships with Sri Lanka in promoting human security. Focusing on the maritime, care and tourism sector, UPLIFT enable Sri Lanka to better respond to the rapidly changing migration landscape by enhancing the skills of aspirant and returnee migrant workers and improving their access to vital information.