TACLOBAN CITY– In a historic display of unity and commitment towards promoting gender equality and women empowerment, key stakeholders in the Philippine maritime industry have come together to embrace a Manifesto of Commitment Towards a Barrier-Free Environment for the Filipino Women in Maritime.

The Manifesto was adopted during the Virtual Maritime Stakeholders Forum held on May 18, 2023, in celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) theme, “Mobilizing Networks for Gender Equality.”

The Manifesto of Commitment recognizes the myriad challenges that limit the full potential and participation of women in the maritime industry, which significantly impact on the growth, development, and creation of a pathway to a sustainable future in the industry. It aims to promote a culture of inclusivity and respect so that Filipino women can participate fully, safely, and without hindrance in pursuing their chosen careers in the maritime industry.

The signatories of the Manifesto of Commitment collectively pledge to take concrete actions to promote gender equality and women empowerment, including ensuring that Filipino women are given equal opportunities in education, training, recruitment, compensation, capacity-building, and career advancement. They also commit to work collaboratively to strengthen policies and measures to protect the well-being of Filipino women in the maritime sector and to eliminate discrimination and any form of gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

It also seeks to improve the visibility of Filipino women contributing to the maritime industry by encouraging them to take up leadership positions and actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect the industry. Additionally, it aims to encourage networking and sharing of best practices with other women in the industry.

Furthermore, the manifesto commits to sustained efforts in collecting, consolidating, and analyzing data regarding the participation of Filipino women in the maritime sector to set baselines, quantify, and track progress of programs and initiatives towards a barrier-free environment for Filipino women in the maritime industry.

The signing of the Manifesto of Commitment represents a significant milestone in the Philippine maritime industry’s journey towards creating a barrier-free environment for Filipino women. It is a collective endeavor endorsed by a diverse range of esteemed institutions and organizations.

Among the signatories are government agencies: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy (PN), & Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); maritime education and training institutions: National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers, Inc. (PAMTCI) & Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI); shipping companies and crewing agencies: Joint Manning Group (JMG), Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME), Filipino Shipowners’ Association (FSA), Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) maritime Group & Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC) Inc; and maritime associations and organizations: Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL), Associated Marine Officers and Seaman’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)-Philippines, International labor Organization (ILO)-Philippines and Maritime Journalists Association of the Philippines (MJAP), Inc.

The broad representation of these agencies, institutions, companies, and organizations underscores the united front in championing the cause of gender equality and empowerment within the Philippine maritime industry. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to break barriers, drive positive change, and create a more inclusive and progressive maritime sector.