Ocean scientists and advocates have underscored the vital role of women in ocean-related sectors and the blue economy, calling for intensified efforts to achieve gender parity in these areas across the Commonwealth.
A virtual event held on 7 June to mark World Ocean Day focused on some of the challenges women face in marine and maritime industries, as well as opportunities to advance inclusivity and equity.
The event was co-organised by the Commonwealth Blue Charter programme and Fisheries and Oceans Canada under the theme, “She’s making waves: Celebrating women in ocean advocacy, science and the blue economy”.
In her opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC recognised the economic, cultural and environmental significance of the ocean to the Commonwealth, where 49 out of 56 member countries border the sea.
She stated: “Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, enabling us to address complex challenges such as climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity loss. Yet women make up only 37 percent of the global ocean science workforce.”
Although more women are engaged in ocean sciences than ever before, the proportion decreases with each progressing career level – a trend known as the “leaky pipeline”. Women continue to be under-represented in senior positions across publishing, funding and research institutions, comprising only 13 to 24 percent. Globally, females are also awarded fewer research grants than their male counterparts and are less likely to be invited to participate in national committees or governing councils.
A panel of experts discussed how to address some of these issues in the Commonwealth.
The panellists responded to wide-ranging questions from the audience, covering ocean and climate change, the role of men in advancing gender parity and how to promote STEM education for girls. Discussions were moderated by Senior Communications Officer at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Josephine Latu-Sanft.
The event concluded with a call to action from the speakers for renewed efforts to tackle the gender gap across all ocean-related sectors, including through the work of the Commonwealth Blue Charter, which allows 56 countries to work collaboratively together to address pressing global ocean challenges.