There are more opportunities for women in the maritime sector

Author: Laudia Sawer

Tema, May 27, GNA – Some women working in the maritime and port sector in Ghana say that while their numbers are increasing, more women are needed to work in the sector.

In their view, while acknowledging women’s growing participation in the sector, there is more room to employ women as they currently make up less than a quarter of the workforce.

Women speaking at a media briefing by the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA) encouraged young women working in the maritime industry to justify that women are competent and can excel in a male-dominated industry by striving for excellence and adopting a learn-ready attitude towards your work.

They noted that it was clear that women could successfully participate in some technical areas of the sector, including the operation of heavy equipment such as forklifts, cranes, tugs and others, as some women were already involved in such operations.

They called for the creation of an enabling environment that would encourage women to work more comfortably in these “difficult” fields.

They noted that women will develop and present their talents and competences in the maritime and port sectors if given the opportunity and the right environment.

Ms Philippa Amanda Armah, Director General Procurement at the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), has implored aspiring women working in the maritime industry to keep an open mind and take advantage of learning opportunities in the industry.

Ms Armah, who is also the president of the Port Ladies Association, said it is important for women to read widely and adapt to issues in the industry to build their interests and opportunities, stating that it is not enough to offer the opportunity but rather women working in the maritime sector must contribute something to the industry through their work.

She also urged them to join any of the recognized women’s associations in the industry to help them make connections and find mentors who could help them shape their careers.

She revealed that various women’s associations were helping to raise awareness among young women about the maritime and port industry to increase their interest in pursuing a career in the sector.

Ms. Pauline Abrokwah, Co-Chairman of the Tema District Technical Committee of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), reiterated that professional women need to gain practical knowledge of the industry in which they work and should not stay within their comfort zone.

Ms Abrokwah stressed that women need to take mentoring seriously as it will open them up to opportunities they didn’t know existed in the sector.

She said they weren’t calling for participation just because they are women, but rather because they have something to offer in keeping the industry going.

Meanwhile, Madam Olivia Gordor, a forklift operator at Tema Port, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that working in this industry is not easy but with determination, women will achieve success.

“It’s not very easy, but with determination, success is in your hands. If you are determined, no matter what people do, you will not get discouraged, but you will be seen as someone who is making progress in the industry,” she said.

She added that women have a lot of potential but just need a little encouragement and encouragement from men, revealing that although she faced many changes in her job, some men pulled her forward and encouraged her to achieve it.

GNA

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