Inspiring Stories of Women in Maritime

We’ve talked on a number of occasions in the Martide blog about how the maritime industry has long been a male-dominated field, with women historically facing barriers to entry and advancement. However, times are changing. More women are stepping into leadership roles, working as captains, engineers, and in other maritime jobs, both on and off shore, proving that the sea has no gender.

In celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime, we’re shining a light on the inspiring stories of women who have made waves - both literally and figuratively - in this challenging industry. Their resilience, expertise, and passion for the sea serve as an inspiration to future generations.

But for anyone who isn’t quite up to speed, here’s a quick reminder of what the International Day for Women in Maritime is.

What is the International Day for Women in Maritime?

The International Day for Women in Maritime was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2021 to recognize and promote the role of women in the maritime sector.

Celebrated annually on May 18th, the day highlights the achievements of women in the industry while also addressing ongoing challenges related to gender equality and inclusion.

By shining a spotlight on female seafarers, maritime professionals, and industry leaders, this day serves as a call to action for greater diversity and opportunities for women in all aspects of the maritime world. And in this blog post we’re going to cover just a handful of them.

a female officer working in a maritime job on a ship

Trailblazers at sea: Women making history

By the way, if you have any other women in maritime that you think deserve a shout out, why not let us know on our socials? You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram and Bluesky.

Captain Kate McCue – the first American woman to captain a mega-cruise ship

When Kate McCue was appointed as the captain of Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge in 2015, she shattered a glass ceiling in the cruise industry. As the first American woman to take command of a mega-cruise ship, she became a role model for aspiring female captains worldwide.

McCue’s success story is one of perseverance. Despite skepticism from many in the industry, she worked her way up, proving that leadership and expertise transcend gender. Her presence on the bridge has also led to an increased focus on female recruitment in cruise lines, inspiring more women to pursue careers at sea.

Belinda Bennett – the first Black woman to captain a cruise ship

Another groundbreaking woman in maritime history is Belinda Bennett, who became the world’s first Black female cruise ship captain in 2016. Hailing from the island of Saint Helena, Bennett started her career as a deck cadet at just 17 years old.

Through years of dedication, she climbed the ranks and took the helm of the ultra-luxury yacht MSY Wind Star. Her story highlights not just the achievements of women in maritime but also the importance of diversity and representation in leadership positions.

a women in a smart business suit standing on the dock of a container terminal

Women pioneering maritime engineering and innovation

As well as forging successful maritime careers at sea, women have also been instrumental in shore-based maritime roles. And while we hope that one day this won’t be groundbreaking news, as of now, we’d be remiss not to mention the following.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry – championing maritime law and safety

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry is a leader in maritime law and policy, currently serving as the President of the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden. She has played a crucial role in shaping international maritime labor laws, particularly through her contributions to the Maritime Labour Convention.

Her work has ensured better working conditions and legal protections for seafarers, many of whom face challenging conditions at sea. Doumbia-Henry’s leadership demonstrates the impact women can have beyond the deck, shaping the future of maritime policy and governance.

Rachael White – innovating maritime logistics

As a logistics expert and a key figure in maritime supply chain management, Rachael White has been a driving force in modernizing ports and shipping logistics. She has advocated for technological advancements that improve efficiency and sustainability in global trade.

By integrating digital solutions and green initiatives, White’s work is paving the way for a more innovative and environmentally responsible maritime sector - an industry where women are increasingly influencing change.

a female electrician working on a cargo ship

Challenges and triumphs: women at the helm

Despite these inspiring stories, women in maritime still face significant challenges:

Underrepresentation: Women make up just 2% of the world’s seafarers, and those in leadership positions remain a minority.
Workplace bias: Many women still encounter gender bias, making it harder to gain leadership roles or be taken seriously in technical fields.
Work-life balance: The demanding nature of maritime careers, especially those that entail long periods at sea, can pose challenges for women who also usually manage family responsibilities.

However, the tide is turning. More organizations and governments are implementing mentorship programs, scholarships, and diversity initiatives to support women entering maritime careers.

Encouraging the next generation of women in maritime

The future of maritime is brighter with more women at the helm. Here’s how the industry can encourage more female participation:

Education and outreach: schools and maritime academies should actively promote career opportunities for young women.
Mentorship & networking: connecting aspiring professionals with female role models in the industry can provide guidance and encouragement.
Policy changes: companies must continue to implement equal pay, anti-discrimination policies, and flexible work arrangements to support women in maritime roles.

a female seafarer working on deck in a maritime job

Making waves for the future

The stories of women like Kate McCue, Belinda Bennett, Rachael White and Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry show that barriers in maritime can - and are - being broken down. Their journeys are not just personal victories but milestones for the entire industry.

And while their names might not be as widely known, we know that all over the world, young women are pursuing successful careers in shipping, both on and offshore. That we don’t know who they are, doesn’t take away from their personal stories.

Whether stepping out of traditional gender roles in their country, fighting to get an education and then find a job at sea, flying in the face of societal or familial expectations, we say a big thank you to all female seafarers who are playing a vital role in keeping the supply chain moving.

As we celebrate International Day for Women in Maritime, we must all continue to support and champion women who are shaping the future of the industry. Whether at the helm of a ship, leading technological innovation, or advocating for maritime policies, women in maritime are making waves - and there’s no turning the tide back!

Find your next maritime job with Martide

Whatever your gender, if you’re looking for your next job at sea, take a look at Martide’s current seafarer job vacancies. Only reputable, professional crew managers and manning agents are able to post their maritime jobs on our website, so go ahead and create your free Martide account now and start applying!