Insights from India: Women’s experiences across the maritime sector

For those in shipping, it is easy to understand the attractions of the maritime industry. Less so for outsiders. Despite it being the backbone of global trade, many people are unaware of the scale, significance and opportunities afforded by the maritime industry, with the contribution of those who service it, remaining stubbornly invisible. Historically and statistically a male-dominated industry, this can also mean that the energy and effort invested by the women who work in maritime are easily overlooked.

Women have always supported the shipping industry and the Rewriting Women into Maritime History project is all about raising awareness and the visibility of forgotten voices of women within maritime. ‘SHE_SEES’ serves as the initiative’s showcase and brings the stories of women in maritime, both past and present, to the forefront and poses questions for the future. 

Late in October 2025, the SHE_SEES team was in Mumbai to meet women working in Indian shipping, who had gathered for India Maritime Week. The mission was to learn from them and use their hidden voices and different perspectives to drive change.  

In terms of maritime diversity, India is further ahead than many countries. According to the Women in Maritime survey 2024, jointly published by the International Maritime Organization and the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), it accounts for some 7% of women seafarers, which is substantially higher than the overall global average of 1%. So, we also sought to use this opportunity to gain an understanding of why Indian women are more readily getting onboard. 

Some 33 women were interviewed and photographed between 27-29 October. Interviews took place at NESCO, the site of India Maritime Week 2025, and on fringes of the Maritime SheEO Conference held at the JW Marriot Sohar.  The ages of the women interviewed ranged from 20 to 73 and the participants represented multiple sectors – from ship management and ports to law, media and insurance. We were also lucky enough to get views from several cadets, who are just entering the industry. They willingly shared initial impressions on diversity levels.

Our interviewees came from across India, and we asked all the same three questions:

• How did you get into shipping?

• Who has contributed to or inspired your maritime journey?

• What more can India do to encourage women to thrive in maritime? 

While this was by no means an exhaustive exercise, several key themes emerged: 

Family – especially fathers who have sailed – was a key reason many knew about and had chosen to enter the industry. For a few, it was a desire to see the world, a love of the oceans or an ambition for financial independence that prompted their journey.

A lack of general awareness about the maritime industry, especially perceptions about seafaring being only for males and being unsafe for women, is a frustration. Many would, therefore, like to see maritime become part of the school curriculum.

Some see time and experience in shipping and logistics as a differentiator and means for landing a leadership role in the future.

The importance of relationships and the collegiate nature of the industry was repeatedly recognised with many referencing the role of colleagues – leaders and peers - in helping them learn, develop and succeed.

Those that had joined the maritime sector by chance mentioned their amazement at learning about the industry’s global reach and significance. They also expressed strong commitment to the industry and a desire to encourage others to join.

It was generally acknowledged that there was progress in getting more women into the maritime industry in India and all voiced a strong desire for equality within the maritime workplace – with men and women being treated fairly and enjoying the same opportunities.