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On 10 March 2026, a group of women seafarers gathered for an evening that blended celebration with creativity
— an intimate session thoughtfully created just for women at sea. Held at the Mariners’ Lounge, the session marked SMOU’s commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), setting the tone for a meaningful and uplifting experience.
The evening opened with a warm welcome by Sister Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU. Reflecting on this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain”, she paid tribute to the courage, resilience and passion of women seafarers. She shared that giving—whether through time, care or lending one’s voice—builds trust, strengthens confidence and fosters a safer, more supportive community in return.
Sister Mary also highlighted SMOU’s 75th anniversary milestone, reaffirming the union’s long-standing commitment to prioritising people—their welfare, safety, and future. She emphasised that this commitment continues today, with an even stronger focus on inclusion, care, and mutual support for all seafarers.
The programme then shifted into a lively creative workshop, where participants immersed themselves in personalising phone straps. Surrounded by colourful beads and endless possibilities, the women embraced the chance to express their individuality. The atmosphere was light-hearted and carefree, with laughter and creativity flowing freely.
In reflection of the IWD theme, the participants went a step further by crafting phone straps for fellow women seafarers who were unable to attend due to onboard duties. This simple yet meaningful gesture embodied the spirit of “Give to Gain ”, demonstrating how acts of thoughtfulness can strengthen bonds and foster a deeper sense of unity within the maritime community.
The evening concluded at Lighthouse Bistro, where a cosy dinner created the perfect setting for connection and conversation. Over shared meals, participants exchanged experiences, offered advice and built new friendships. Younger seafarers engaged in insightful discussions, seeking guidance on life at sea, preparing for upcoming deployments and navigating multicultural working environments onboard.
By the end of the night, the women left not only with handcrafted accessories, but also with a renewed sense of connection and belonging. More than just a gathering, the SMOU Women’s Networking Session reaffirmed the power of community—bringing women seafarers together to support, uplift and inspire one another.
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