Ocean science equality ambassador

"Gender equality is necessary for a sustainable future. "

I’m an aquatic scientist working towards an equal future. At the World Maritime University (WMU), I am researching gender equality in ocean science, in support of sustainable development. My focus is on women in fisheries.

My passion for empowering women was inspired by my first encounter with a ship captain. I was boarding a boat with my male colleagues, and the captain didn’t think women should be on a boat - not for fishing, or as a research scientist. “Why did they send you on this boat? You’re a girl!” he shouted. I responded, “Captain, I want to be here. I’m a student too.”

Women represent half of the fisheries workforce globally. They fill a critical role in their communities. Without women, maintaining fisheries production worldwide is impossible, but their role is often overlooked and invisible.

There are many obstacles that hinder women’s participation in the fishing industry: lower salaries, sexual harassment, and negative myths about women such as them being bad luck at sea. I’ve had less opportunities at sea than my male colleagues, but this does not stop or discourage me. Instead, it makes me reflect on the need for change and ways to improve
women’s participation in fisheries and promote gender equality.

Danger

Not taking advantage of more than half the world’s talent,
experience and knowledge is a danger to society and the economy.
Gender inequality affects everyone.

Call to action

• Be aware of gender stereotypes.
  
• Be a role model for promoting gender equality.
  
• Stand up against harassment and teasing.
  
• Commit to a cause - UN Women’s Generation Equality Campaign is a good place to start.
  
• Reach for your dreams - don’t let gender stereotypes define you or your future.

Utan kvinnor är det omöjligt att upprätthålla fiskerinäringens produktion världen över och deras roll är ofta förbisedd och osynlig.

Det finns många faktorer som hindrar kvinnor från att delta i fiskerinäringen: lägre löner, sexuella trakasserier och negativa myter om kvinnor, till exempel att de för med sig otur till sjöss.

Jag har haft färre möjligheter att tillbringa tid till sjöss än mina manliga kollegor, men det varken hejdar eller avskräcker mig. Istället får det mig att reflektera över behovet av förändring och olika sätt att underlätta för kvinnor att delta i fiskerinäringen och främja jämställdhet.

• Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
• World Maritime University