Trustees of the Fiji Women in Maritime Association (WIMA),

President, Ms Jane Koi,

Executive Committee of the Fiji WIMA,

Distinguished Guests,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka, and a very good morning to you all.

I am pleased to be here today, to celebrate with you an international day in a very important industry.

An industry that has stood the test of time. And most importantly, we are celebrating the contribution of Women in the maritime sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In 2021, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted a resolution recognising this day to be the International Day for Women in Maritime (ID4WIM) and as IMO has stated to be a day to “ celebrate women in the industry, promote the recruitment, retention, and sustained employment of women in the Maritime sector, raise the profile of women in Maritime, strengthen IMOs commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and support work to address the current gender imbalance in Maritime.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to say that Fiji co-sponsored this paper in IMO for the adoption of the resolution and also wholeheartedly supported the recognition of this International day.

It is a privilege to be able to gather and celebrate the many women in maritime. The theme “Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment” as internationally recognised this year aptly describes the vision of the Fijian Government, when it comes to giving women equal opportunities in all fields.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having recently celebrated International Women’s Day, we’re reminded of our personal and organisational responsibility for breaking the bias.

All through the pandemic, women have led in various roles. As community leaders, as our health heroes, as church figures, as businesses and as national leaders.

Today, as the Minister responsible for maritime transport, I join global leaders in maritime to salute and pay tribute to our women who have toiled to contribute to the maritime sector being an important part of our nation.

We have women seafarers here with us today. Thank you for all that you’ve done to keep us connected— especially through our islands here at home.

The Government Shipping Services (GSS), here in Fiji, has more than 150 staff of which 5 percent are women and we are very proud to have a woman lead the Department – Director responsible for both land and maritime transport – Faranisese Kinivuwai. We are above the international benchmark.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For over three decades, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has supported gender equality through women in maritime programmes, and mainstreaming gender through training, visibility and recognition.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

IMO, is taking the lead in empowering women through programmes offered at educational institutions, such as the World Maritime University (WMU) and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) where 50% of its placements offered are for women to study and upgrade their skills and knowledge.

Here in the region, the Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PACWIMA) have played an instrumental role in supporting women in the Pacific. Following similar footsteps, the Fiji Women in Maritime Association (Fiji WIMA) has held several workshops and training sessions supporting aspiring Fijian women in the maritime sector to be catalysts for change.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Fiji WIMA, held the inaugural WIMA programme on “Project Management”, funded by the U.S. Aid Climate Change, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The programme had achieved a 100 percent pass rate – how exceptional is that? Well done to the graduates!

Fiji WIMA’s work has not gone unnoticed, in the launch of a “Western Standing Committee” to support its work nationally, hosting leadership workshops, awareness and prevention training on Sexual Harassment in the workplace. Two students were empowered, in a recent virtual placement with University Fiji, to become active members of the Association. A milestone achievement for Fijian women in the industry.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Whilst there is still a gender imbalance in maritime, we are recognising that diversity within the industry. This diversity holds advantages for the entire industry – an industry made stronger by each individual irrespective of gender. So today, we are creating a maritime industry for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We envisage to see more women join the industry, and hold prominent roles – so to the confident young women within our presence this morning – this is your break, so fully harness the opportunities you have.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It would be remiss of me, if I do not mention the achievement of Fijian women in maritime and accord them the recognition they deserve. As such, today we will be presenting six awards to women who have made a significant contribution in the Fijian maritime sector.

The Awards will recognise women who have excelled in the following categories as “Ambassador Award”, “Mentorship Award”, “Trailblazer (Stem) Award”, “Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award”, “Excellence Award” and “Exemplary Response to COVID-19 Award”.

Coming back to today’s celebration, today is the genesis for ensuring women become more visible throughout the maritime community and the sector overall – with wider representation at decision-making levels.

Let’s work together and overcome barriers to create a work environment that is inspiring, encouraging and inclusive of multifaceted involvement by all.

With these few words, I wish you all a “Happy International Day for Women in Maritime” and congratulate the awardees on their contributions and achievement.

Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.