Role, contributions of women working in the maritime sector highlight talks with President |12 August 2022

Members of Womesa-Seychelles in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan (Photo: Patrick Joubert)

The role, contributions of women working in the maritime sector and opportunities that exist for them there as well, were highlighted during talks that a group of young women had with President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday morning at State House.

The young women, executive members of the Women in the Maritime Sector in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (Womesa-Seychelles) were led to State House by Dericka Figaro, the chairperson of Womesa-Seychelles.

Speaking to the press after their talk with the Head of State, Ms Figaro remarked that their discussion was very fruitful.

“We discussed with him how government can assist us with capacity building in the maritime sector and also how we can work together to raise awareness on opportunities for women working in the sector. The discussion was fruitful and we have received some positive feedback from the President for which we are very grateful,” said Ms Figaro.

She added that the lack of awareness on the many opportunities available in maritime sector is one among the main challenges faced by the association.

She noted that the lack of awareness on opportunities for women in the maritime sector is causing a lack of interest among the youths, especially young women, to join the sector.

“Many people, especially women, think that working in the maritime sector involves only work  on tankers or fishing vessels but there are many other fields of work relating  to the maritime sector which involve working both at sea and on land,” she noted.

Ms Figaro pointed out that this involves working in government departments, parastatals, agencies and businesses among others that are closely linked with the sector.

She added it is for this reason that in their strategic plan they have requested the help of government to build capacity in the sector. The aim is to encourage more young women to take jobs in the sector and remain in their jobs as well as motivate others who wish to join the sector to know better what the work there  entails, the various jobs available and the different fields to choose from.

Ms Figaro stated that Womesa-Seychelles will be going to secondary and post secondary institutions to raise awareness and interest among the youths of the different careers opportunities  in the maritime sector while also to encourage young women to take a career in the sector.

She noted that the association has many members with vast experience in various fields in the maritime sector and they want to join hands with government to help in the advancement of the sector. 

“We look forward to working with other government departments as well as related NGOs to further develop interest in the sector,” said Ms Figaro.

Among other issues that were discussed with President Ramkalawan included the association’s strategic plan 2022-2026 and the way forward for the advancement of the sector.

Apart from Ms Figaro, other Womesa -Seychelles executive members present were Emily Gonthier (vice-chairperson), Dora Henry (treasurer), Rania Moises (assistant treasurer), Stephanie Radegonde (secretary), Angelique Reddy (marketing director), Bianca Bonnelame (communication director), Rajelle Barbe and Emily Mousbe (ordinary members).

Womesa-Seychelles was registered as an association under the laws of the Republic of Seychelles in 2015. However, the Seychelles Chapter was officially launched by the then Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon on September 26, 2017 at the Beau Vallon Bay Hotel during the 8th Annual Conference of Womesa. It is part of the Association for Women in the Maritime sector in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (Womesa), formed as a regional organisation under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which comprises 25 member states.

Any women working in the maritime sector or any women who have an interest in promoting the maritime field at national level are eligible to apply as members of Womesa-Seychelles.

Patrick Joubert