In the atmosphere of trust and openness, the group of women seafarers candidly shared their aspirations, challenges and experiences.

Sister Mary assured the female attendees that “SMOU is here for you and you don’t have to struggle alone. There is a female community of seafarers here that you can share your journey with”. The Union does not tolerate nor normalise behaviour such as bullying, harassment or abuse.

She added that cultivating a better and more inclusive society needs a deep mindset change that requires time and education.

Sister Wan Ling highlighted that with Sister Mary as the NTUC President and with the full backing of NTUC WAF, every reported case of harassment will be dealt with firmness.

Not all stories that were shared at the session were negative. There are enlightened employers who are protective of their female crewmembers. For example, ensuring that there is more than one women seafarer on board.

Another cadet highlighted that prior to her signing on, her employer informed the crewmembers that a woman seafarer would be working onboard and sounded the reminder to show respect. This gave her a sense of safety knowing that her employers are mindful and looking out for the minority gender on ships.

Both Sister Wan Fei Fei and Sister Cheryl Lee, who are now working ashore, raved about their life at sea and how much they missed sailing. From their accounts, they have no regrets choosing a sea career.

The importance of family support was also a major theme that surfaced during the conversation. For these women seafarers, the choice of working at sea is often met by little family support. Yet they persevered.

One cadet, who is the only daughter in the family, recalled how her mother cried on the day she went onboard.

Wavelink Maritime Institute which trains seafaring cadets under the Tripartite Maritime Training Awards (TMTA) programmes felt that it is vital to have Family Engagement sessions with parents of interested seafaring cadets to ensure that family members understand and are accepting of the life that seafaring brings. One of the female cadet expressed that her parents felt more assured and gave their blessings after attending the Family Engagement session at the start of her cadetship.

With only 2 percent of the maritime industry’s largely male-dominated workforce, more and more women like these SMOU members are breaking stereotypes and foraying into the maritime world.

“SMOU is very proud of each one of you!” Sister Mary commended