New Delhi [India]: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched a pioneering policy initiative titled ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS) to promote gender equality and boost women’s participation in India’s maritime industry. The launch coincided with the celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime, held in New Delhi on Sunday.
The SMS policy is a Central Government effort aimed at fostering a gender-equitable, future-ready maritime workforce. Its primary objective is to bridge the gender gap in both seafaring and shore-based maritime roles by establishing a structured roadmap that emphasizes safety, leadership, retention, and professional development of women in the sector.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) objectives and focuses on key areas such as planning and strategy, training and development, governance, compliance, research, communication, and community outreach.
According to the ministry, the policy seeks to accomplish four key goals:
- Empowerment and leadership
- Inclusivity and equal opportunity
- Safety and well-being
- Skill development and training
As the Chief Guest, Sarbananda Sonowal addressed the gathering and interacted with nearly 100 women seafarers, emphasizing the importance of female representation in maritime operations:
“This day is essential to celebrate women through their recruitment, retention, and sustained employment in the maritime sector. This year IMO is celebrating on a theme that ‘An Ocean of Opportunities for Women,’ which aligns with the 2025 World Maritime Day theme: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
He further added:
“We must introspect and work towards raising the profile of women in maritime and strengthening their presence. The development of women in various fields is also a top priority for our Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.”
Sonowal pointed to the Maritime India Vision 2030, which advocates the ‘Women in Seafarer’ program, comprising initiatives such as awareness campaigns, incentivisation for companies, and scholarships to support women’s entry into the field.
Highlighting government achievements since 2014, Sonowal said:
“India’s maritime sector has witnessed a surge of women seafarers from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024, recording a whopping growth of 649%. Since 2014, 2,989 women seafarers have received financial assistance.”
“Empowering women in maritime is not just about equity—it’s a strategic necessity. Their leadership brings innovation, strength, and a more sustainable future for the sector. Our Nari Shakti is a fundamental pillar of the new Bharat, for their incredible contribution in the nation building cause.”
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our task is cut out. Sagar Mein Samman is one such initiative to create a conducive environment for more and more women to join the maritime sector.”
He cited an impressive 739% increase in registered female seafarers—from 1,699 in 2015 to 14,255 in 2024.
“The launch of the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ policy framework shows our commitment to the mental, physical, and professional well-being of women seafarers.”
“We have an ambitious target of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030, aligning directly with national objectives.”
“To our women seafarers present here today, you are the pioneers, the trailblazers who have navigated uncharted waters with courage and determination. This initiative is a tribute to your resilience and a promise for a more inclusive future for generations to come.”
“Together, we shall ensure that Sagar Mein Samman is not just a policy but a transformative movement that reshapes the maritime landscape of our nation,” he concluded.
As part of the event, the Union Minister also felicitated 10 outstanding women in the Indian maritime sector:
Sumita Banerji, Bharati Bhandarkar, Kalpana Desai, Poonam Nagpal, Yen Pinto, Archana Saxena Sangal, Rupali Raj Joshi, Captain Deepti Singh, and Amarjeet Rewari.