As CIOTA Hosts IMO Int’l Day for Women in Maritime; Tumaka, Umoren, Anyika, Others Seek Training, Visibility for Women

By DAPO OLAWUNI

As the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) Nigeria, hosted the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime initiated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Lagos on Wednesday, frontline stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry have canvassed training and visibility for women in work places.

The meeting, which was moderated by the National Publicity Secretary of CIoTA, and a staff of NIMASA, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, and supported by CIoTA’s Registrar, Mr. Rasheed Aiyelabegan , had rich contributions from celebrated maritime industry stakeholders.

Leading the pack of discussants at the online event with the theme; “Training, Visibility, Recognition And Supporting A Barrier-Free Work Environment”, a retired Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Hajia Lami Tumaka canvassed a barrier-free workplace environment devoid of gender, tribe or religion.

Speaking, she said “Out of the 409 members of the National Assembly, only 19 are women, which is about 4%, even though 75percent of Nigerian population is constituted of women and youths.

“The National Assembly threw out five Bills until they were prevailed upon to bring them back.

“We all know that the maritime industry is male dominated, despite that, there are women in the industry that are performing well, but with this theme, what it means is that women should be trained and retrained, to make them well educated and give them the visibility that they deserve.

“The world needs to see that women are doing very well, and their efforts should be crowned with recognitions and awards.

“In the sports world, you would find out that in terms of payments, there is a wide gap between the men and the women.
For some reason, I don’t why, female police officers cannot have children for a certain length of time, but it is different for the men, this is gender disparity.

“In the maritime industry, the narrative has to be changed by creating opportunities for the women because there are roles they can play in the sector” she stated

Hajia Tumaka however, charged women in the industry to build their capacity in their chosen careers, for them to qualify and take available opportunities for themselves.

She spoke on the need for training as a fundamental tool for development while women seek for visibility and recognition.

“Training is critical for women to take up higher responsibility in the maritime. Nobody will give you a seat because you are woman; you have to build your capacity and show that you can be there and play at the highest level. That is what the theme for this year’s international day for women in maritime is about.

“While we know we are not yet where we should be, but we can get there, there are various women who have been outstanding and have distinguished themselves… the likes of Mrs Mfon Usoro, the first DG of NIMASA, first woman President of CILT, and Abuja MoU; Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Jean Chiazor- Anishere, Juliana Gunwa, Mrs Bola Muse, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, Lami Tumaka, and many more. We all tried to break the bias. We worked hard and built our capacity,” Tumaka said.

Hailing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) for seeking to promote women, Hajia Tumaka called for more inclusiveness for women on boards of parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

Also speaking at the virtual meeting, Dr. Mercy Bello- Abu, the Rivers State Coordinator for Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), also lauded the theme around training and retraining, which she recognised as a path to achieving great goals as women.

She said: “I love the theme of training, visibility and recognition. As a consultant, I know the importance of training for our women. I am here today because I am always hungry for new knowledge to improve on what I do. If your voice must be heard, then you must embrace training.”

She encouraged women to start by knowing and valuing their worth and to make efforts to become visible even after acquiring knowledge and being trained.

Dr. Abu also charged women in the maritime industry to acknowledge compliments given them as well as make impact in the career lives of younger women, as a way of making themselves even more visible.

“You can only make a mark with knowing yourself and identify the needs you have to improve your capacity.

“For the women in the industry, do acknowledge compliments, appreciate others and prepare the next generation. We must be selective in networking with people, choose and plan your relationship, use your talent and know what you are doing with it.”

She praised women for showing much resilience during the covid-19 lockdown, and called for more barrier-free work environment to enable women showcase the best of their capabilities.

She added:“MDAs in Nigeria should follow the vision and mission of the international bodies UN, IMO to ensure women have opportunities to contribute in greater capacities. You have to be prepared by getting the skills and knowledge.”

Abu advised women in the maritime industry to be authentic and follow the words of former First Lady of the United States of America, Mitchell Obama, who wrote in her book that “I know myself.’

Other stakeholders who contributed to the discussion included; Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, Professor Dayo, Mrs. Asagwara, Jessica, Chika, Professor Calistus Ibe.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary-General of Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, described the special day for celebrating women in the industry as welcoming, just as he appreciated how a number of women had worked on board with him in time past.

He encouraged women to give themselves to training and exude excellence, which would make it impossible for them to be denied a place in the affairs of the industry.

Umore said: “On my last few ships, there were five girls on board the ship and they were good. Training should be two-angled. Men should accept the fact that the women come into the space to support and not to take away our jobs. Excellence will make you visible. The spirit of excellence will break barriers. It is about competence.”

Giving a summary, Anyika called on women to see opportunities in the industry and make themselves available however tough the terrain may seem.

She appreciated women who worked during the covid-19 lockdown, and called for barrier-free workplaces.