TIDES OF DISCRIMINATION: UNPACKING GENDER INEQUALITY IN GHANA’S SEAFARING CULTURE AND INDUSTRY

Authors: Christabel Sakpata Ewedji, Faharu Deen Yakubu, Alberta Jones, Susana Atswei Sowatei &tracy Yaa Ababio

ABSTRACT

Purpose: In recent years, a significant shift has been observed with an increasing number of women joining the ranks of seafarers in the maritime industry. Despite this progression, women in seafaring continue to encounter challenges that impede their career advancement. A comprehensive survey revealed that gender-based discrimination, onboard harassment, and bullying against women remain prevalent in the maritime industry.  This paper seeks to explore the challenges faced by women seafarers in Ghana’s maritime industry.

Design/methodology/approach: The research employed a qualitative research approach, adopting a case study design, which is suitable for providing comprehensive insights into complex social phenomena and allows for an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges encountered by the participants. Twenty participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The study employed interview as the research instrument. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data as it provides a systematic approach to coding and interpreting, facilitating a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences and perspectives.

Findings: The study found that some factors that contribute to challenges women seafarers face include: the male-dominated culture of the industry, gender-based discrimination and harassment, the lack of adequate facilities and resources for women onboard. These challenges significantly impact the career progression and job satisfaction of these women seafarers. Gender bias and discrimination hinder opportunities for advancement, skill development, and promotions, leading to feelings of frustration and decreased morale among female seafarers

Originality: Despite the progression of women in seafaring, they continue to encounter multifaceted challenges that impede their advancement and full participation in this domain. Existing research predominantly focuses on challenges faced by women seafarers in developed maritime economies leaving a dearth of empirical studies addressing the challenges of women seafarers in developing maritime nations like Ghana.

Keywords: Challenges, Maritime, Seafarers, Training, Women

REFERENCES

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
  • Chaudhuri, S., Park, S., & Johnson, K. R. (2021). Engagement, inclusion, knowledge sharing, and talent development: is reverse mentoring a panacea to all? Findings from literature review. European Journal of Training and Development, 46(5/6), 468-483.
  • Coble, C. M. (2018). Leadership mentoring: a study of the mentoring experiences of Female federal civil service employees (Doctoral dissertation, Creighton University).
  • de Água, P. M. G. B., da Silva Frias, A. D., Carrasqueira, M. D. J., & Daniel, J. M. M. (2020). Future of maritime education and training: blending hard and soft skills. Pomorstvo, 34(2), 345-353.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. SAGE Publications.
  • Galani, K. (2022). From Traditional Maritime Communities to Maritime Centres. Urbanization, Social Hierarchies and the Labour Market in the Age of Steam: The Case Study of Galaxidi, Brill University Press
  • Galea, N., Powell, A., Loosemore, M., & Chappell, L. (2020). The gendered dimensions of informal institutions in the Australian construction industry. Gender, work & organization, 27(6), 1214-1231.
  • Glass, C., & Cook, A. (2016). Leading at the top: Understanding women’s challenges above the glass ceiling. The Leadership Quarterly, 27(1), 51-63.
  • Gupta, G. R., Grown, C., Fewer, S., Gupta, R., & Nowrojee, S. (2023). Beyond gender mainstreaming: transforming humanitarian action, organizations and culture. Journal of international humanitarian action, 8(1), 5.
  • Harper, S., Grubb, C., Stiles, M., & Sumaila, U. R. (2017). Contributions by women to fisheries economies: insights from five maritime countries. Journal of Coastal Management, 45(2), 91-106.
  • Kim, T. E., Sharma, A., Gausdal, A. H., & Chae, C. J. (2019). Impact of automation technology on gender parity in maritime industry. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 18(4), 579-593.
  • Kitada, M. (2021). Women seafarers: An analysis of barriers to their employment. The World of the Seafarer, 65.
  • Kitada, M. (2022). Gender and work within the maritime sector. In Women, Work and Transport (pp. 229-248). Emerald Publishing Limited.
  • Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2015). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. SAGE Publications.
  • MacNeil, A., & Ghosh, S. (2017). Gender imbalance in the maritime industry: impediments, initiatives and recommendations. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 9(1), 42-55.
  • McClellan, K. M. (2020). A qualitative study on how licensed-tracked female graduates from a maritime academy have advanced professionally. Plymouth State University.
  • Narayanan, S. C., Emad, G. R., & Fei, J. (2023). Key factors impacting women seafarers’ participation in the evolving workplace: A qualitative exploration. Marine Policy, 148, 105407.
  • Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. SAGE Publications.
  • Pike, K., Wadsworth, E., Honebon, S., Broadhurst, E., Zhao, M., & Zhang, P. (2021). Gender in the maritime space: how can the experiences of women seafarers working in the UK shipping industry be improved? The Journal of Navigation, 74(6), 1238-1251.
  • Pineiro, L. C., & Kitada, M. (2020). Sexual harassment and women seafarers: The role of laws and policies to ensure occupational safety & health. Marine Policy, 117, 103938.
  • Ridgeway, C. L., & Correll, S. J. (2004). Unpacking the Gender System: A Theoretical Perspective on Gender Beliefs and Social Relations. Gender & Society, 18(4), 510-531.
  • Robinson, L. M., & Miller, R. S. (2023). Qualitative Paradigms Revisited: A Critical Review Of Recent Research. Qualitative Research Review Letter, 1(01), 31-39.
  • Salin, D. (2021). Workplace bullying and gender: An overview of empirical findings. Dignity and inclusion at work, 331-361.
  • Silverio, I. A. R. (2023). Sexual Harassment Against Women Seafarers Still Prevalent, Finds New Survey. Maritime News, Philippines, Seafarers
  • Shellock, R. J., Cvitanovic, C., Mackay, M., McKinnon, M. C., Blythe, J., Kelly, R., … & Wisz, M. S. (2022). Breaking down barriers: the identification of actions to promote gender equality in interdisciplinary marine research institutions. One Earth, 5(6), 687-708.
  • Stone, P., & Lovejoy, M. (2021). Opting back in: What really happens when mothers go back to work. Univ of California Press.
  • Traylor, A. M., Ng, L. C., Corrington, A., Skorinko, J. L., & Hebl, M. R. (2020). Expanding research on working women more globally: Identifying and remediating current blind spots. Journal of Social Issues, 76(3), 744-772.
  • Turgo, N. (2021). Manning the waves: Masculinity shift amongst Filipino seafarers in the age of precarity. Gender, Work & Organization, 28(4), 1562-1578.
  • Wu, C. L., Chen, S. Y., Ye, K. D., & Ho, Y. W. (2017). Career development for women in maritime industry: organisation and socialisation perspectives. Maritime Policy & Management, 44(7), 882-898.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. SAGE Publications.