The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is calling for urgent action to dismantle gender barriers in the maritime industry, citing persistent discrimination and underrepresentation of women despite their proven competence and leadership.

PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla said that women continue to face unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, and outdated stereotypes, limiting their access to maritime education, training, and promotion.

A recent global survey by the IMO and WISTA showed that women account for only 19% of the maritime workforce, with just 1% working at sea. In the Philippines, a 2022 National Maritime Polytechnic study revealed that less than half of surveyed shipping firms have gender equality policies, and women remain concentrated in lower-ranked shipboard roles.

Valdeavilla emphasized the need for inclusive reforms, stressing that “the ocean of opportunities means nothing if discrimination persists.”