Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that women’s participation in India’s maritime sector has increased by 340 percent since 2020, reflecting the impact of inclusive policy reforms and gender-focused initiatives. The development highlights India’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment and gender equity within the maritime economy and shipping industry.
Major Highlights
- The announcement was made during the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue held in New Delhi.
- The number of registered Indian women seafarers increased from 1,699 in 2015 to 14,255 in 2024, demonstrating significant progress in gender inclusion within the maritime workforce.
- The government launched the Sagar Mein Samman initiative to create a more gender-equitable maritime sector through training, leadership opportunities, and enhanced workplace safety measures for women.
- India currently serves as the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for the 2025–27 period, focusing on regional prosperity, maritime security, and sustainable blue economy development.
- The 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue was organized under the theme Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World, with discussions centered on maritime security, connectivity, climate resilience, and the blue economy.
- The Sagar Mein Samman framework aims to increase women’s representation not only in seafaring roles but also in dock operations, maritime administration, and executive leadership positions.
- Minister Sonowal emphasized that India’s maritime reforms are aligned with international Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion objectives aimed at modernizing the global shipping industry.
- Women’s empowerment has also been recognized as a cross-cutting priority area within the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s broader agenda on innovation, resilience, and regional cooperation.
- International Day for Women in Maritime was celebrated on May 18, 2026, to recognize the contribution of women seafarers and encourage sustained participation in maritime professions.
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated that the empowerment of Nari Shakti will play an important role in transforming India into a major global maritime and shipping hub.
Important Terms
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): An intergovernmental organization of countries bordering the Indian Ocean that promotes regional cooperation in trade, maritime security, and sustainable development.
- Sagar Mein Samman: A Government of India initiative aimed at promoting gender equality, safety, training, and leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
- Nari Shakti: A term used to describe women’s empowerment and the growing role of women in India’s social, economic, and national development.
