Sailing into rough seas: The difficulties and challenges Chinese women seafarers face

Abstract

The shipping industry has traditionally been male-dominated. Although tangible progress has been made toward gender diversity and inclusiveness, women seafarers worldwide still face difficulties and challenges. This paper aims to explore women’s struggles in their pursuit of a seafaring career on ocean-going cargo ships. Taking Chinese women seafarers as the research subjects, the study first analyses their current situation and points out that compared with global figures, only few STCW-certified Chinese women work as officers or ratings on the ocean-going cargo ships. Then five major types of difficulties and challenges Chinese women seafarers face, i.e., limited access to vocational education and training, employment difficulty because of stereotypes, prejudices and sexual distinction, safety and healthcare concerns, bullying, abuse and sexual harassment, as well as traditional ideas of family and childbirth, are presented by the data drawn from questionnaires and interviews given to current and future-to-be seafarers from both genders. At last, suggestions from the aspects of the provision of educational and training resources and guidance, the improvements in relevant legal system and policy, the establishment of support groups and report system, the promotion of occupational health, safety and well-being, as well as the creation of a friendly social and cultural atmosphere are given to advance gender equality, empower women seafarers in their careers and reach a barrier-free environment in the industry.