Somalia, with backing from the United Nations, marked the International Day for Women in Maritime on Sunday by spotlighting the vital contributions of women to the country’s maritime industries. The occasion also served as a platform to announce a new national initiative aimed at boosting female participation through education and job creation.
Despite their potential, Somali women continue to face significant gender-based barriers in maritime professions. Their presence in the sector remains limited, often confined to informal roles or overlooked entirely.
“The Ministry of Ports and Maritime Affairs pledges to break down the barriers that prevent women from participating in maritime activities, as well as to combat any discrimination and will work to create jobs and leadership opportunities for Somali women,” said Fartun Abdukadir, Deputy Minister of Ports and Marine Transport.
This pledge builds on previous efforts to enhance gender inclusivity in the sector. In 2023, Somalia, in partnership with the United Nations, launched the Women in the Maritime Sector National Action Plan, a policy framework designed to open up opportunities for women across maritime fields.
Exact data on female representation remains scarce, but estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) suggest that women own just 4% to 5% of fishing boats in Somalia. This underrepresentation stands in stark contrast to the country’s vast maritime potential — Somalia boasts the longest coastline on mainland Africa, stretching approximately 3,333 kilometers along the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
Sunday’s event also celebrated individual achievements, with 23 women and one youth organisation receiving the Women in Maritime Awards. Among the honorees was Ikran Mohamed Abdulahi, who heads the human capital development department at the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. She used the moment to encourage perseverance, telling attendees “not to lose hope.”
Globally, gender disparities in maritime industries are even more pronounced. According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), women make up just 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce.
“To all the Somali women in maritime, your leadership, vision and courage are shaping Somalia’s future and inspiring the region,” said Nasrin Khan, Head of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions Group at the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). “You are not just part of the maritime story; you are leading it.”
