Gambia.com – (BANJUL) – The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) launched the Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa, Gambia chapter, on Saturday. This significant event coincided with the commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime, highlighting women’s participation in the industry and emphasizing efforts to include more women.

This year’s theme, “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety,” underscores the vital role women play in the maritime sector. Despite their importance, research by the International Maritime Organization reveals that women constitute barely 2% of the crewing workforce, predominantly in the cruise sector.

Karamo Bakary Janneh, Director General of the GMA, proudly noted that women make up 30% of the maritime administration management team in The Gambia. He assured continuous support for women in the sector, highlighting initiatives like the scholarship award scheme created in collaboration with the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, and Gambia International Airlines. Under the purview of the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Higher Education, the scheme allows Grade 12 students to study at the Regional Maritime University (RMU). Impressively, 50% of the scholarship recipients are female, pursuing various maritime disciplines.

Rohey Samba Jallow, the first female sea pilot in The Gambia with a master’s degree from the World Maritime University in Sweden, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the need for psychosocial support as a key intervention to help women combat and recover from biases in the maritime sector. Reflecting on her journey, Rohey Samba Jallow shared, “In a society where patriarchal norms loom large, the mere perception of inferiority casts a shadow on my reputation. Baseless rumors about my character have surfaced, painting me as a loose woman and an alcoholic. These accusations underscore the critical need for psychological safety, extending beyond the physical realm to shield women from societal scrutiny.”

The Gambia has joined the Women in Maritime Association, which spans Africa, Arab states, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific, covering 152 countries and dependent territories. This initiative aims to bridge gender gaps in the maritime sector. Olimata Danso serves as the focal point for the Women in Maritime Association in The Gambia. The Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa (WIMOKA), a sub-regional body, seeks to harness the potential and contributions of women in West and Central Africa to ensure the sustainable development of the maritime industry in Africa.

The launch of the Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa, Gambia chapter, is expected to create opportunities for more women to become captains, chief engineers, pilots, and other roles in The Gambia’s maritime industry. Jennifer Sunko, a participant in the launch, noted that 115 years ago in 1909, the first International Day for Women in Maritime was celebrated in the United States of America, marking a long history of recognizing women’s contributions to the industry.

As the Gambia continues to promote female empowerment in maritime, the future looks promising for increased safety and security in the sector, driven by a more inclusive and diverse workforce.