OSM Thome crewing chief calls for more tangible action on gender diversity ahead of International Women’s Day

While the maritime industry has come a long way in its drive for diversity and inclusivity, much more needs to be done, and the industry must take decisive steps toward meaningful change, warns Julia Anastasiou, Chief Crew Management Officer at OSM Thome. 

Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day (8th March), she states: "The industry has progressed significantly, yet the path to full gender equality remains incomplete. Organisations and institutions must implement concrete, measurable strategies to create an inclusive workplace for female seafarers."

While the tides are shifting in the maritime industry, Julia argues that it is not fast enough as one fact remains glaringly evident: women still make up only 2% of the global seafaring workforce. This stark reality underscores an urgent call to action for the industry to move beyond rhetoric and accelerate real, measurable change.

Julia continues: "When I entered the industry three decades ago, women at sea were exceptionally rare. The obstacles were considerable - scarce representation, few career opportunities, and deep-seated stereotypes about women’s roles in maritime. Although progress has been made, there is still a significant distance to cover."

While the past decade has seen undeniable shifts in how the industry embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, with the number of female seafarers increasing, maritime education institutions enrolling more women and shipping companies taking deliberate steps to support gender diversity, Julia says much more action is needed.

"The fact remains that women account for only 2% of the global seafaring workforce. Despite advancements, female seafarers still encounter obstacles that hinder their career development and retention at sea."

These include:

Limited career progression - While opportunities have expanded, women still struggle to advance into senior seafaring roles such as captain and chief engineer. 

Onboard safety and inclusion - Many women report challenges in integrating into male-dominated environments.

Work-life balance - Women often face societal expectations around caregiving responsibilities, so more flexible career paths and better shore-based opportunities are needed.

The maritime industry has taken steps to address these issues, but Julia emphasises that progress must be faster and bolder: "Initiatives such as the IMO’s Women in Maritime Programme and OSM Thome’s Women’s Desk, are making strides, but the industry must do more. We need strong protections against workplace harassment, clear career pathways for women, and ships that provide gender-inclusive facilities.”

OSM Thome’s Women’s Desk provides dedicated support and counselling to ensure female seafarers’ well-being and addresses challenges at sea. Currently, 5% of OSM Thome’s workforce across all ranks and vessel segments are women, a figure above the industry average. However, the company is taking significant measures to dramatically increase female representation in its maritime workforce.

Julia also stresses the importance of mentorship and leadership, and says mentorship has been a cornerstone of her own journey in the industry.

"I have witnessed how invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals can alter career paths. Supporting more women in leadership roles requires not just creating opportunities but also cultivating an environment where they feel recognised, empowered, and encouraged to succeed. This is why forward-thinking industry leaders don’t just discuss gender diversity - they actively champion it through structured leadership programmes, internal advocacy, and collaborations with global organisations focused on gender inclusion in maritime."

Change does not happen overnight, Julia concedes, nor does it happen in isolation, but it requires collaboration, persistence, and a shared vision for a more inclusive maritime future with every stakeholder playing their part, whether as a government, shipping company, training institution or maritime organisation.

“As an industry, we must challenge outdated perceptions, create sustainable career pathways, and ensure that the next generation of women at sea experiences a truly level playing field.”