“Stop the Discrimination in Employment Opportunities for Female Seafarers,” Engr. Grace E. Omede Calls During Visit to MWUN President General (Photos)

Marine Engineer and Founder of Fem’Fit Sailors, Engr. Grace Elehojo Omede, has called for greater employment opportunities and equal treatment for women in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

where she discussed issues affecting the welfare of Nigerian seafarers and the challenges confronting female professionals in the maritime sector.

During the meeting, Engr. Omede commended the MWUN President General Comrade Francis Bunu for his continued commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of maritime workers.

She acknowledged the Union’s efforts toward promoting fair treatment, improving working conditions, and ensuring that the concerns of seafarers receive attention within the maritime industry.

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Gender Discrimination Remains a Major Concern

Speaking on behalf of female seafarers, Engr. Omede raised concerns about what she described as persistent gender discrimination in employment across the maritime sector.

According to her, many female seafarers who are professionally trained and qualified continue to face difficulties securing employment opportunities because some shipping companies maintain policies or practices that discourage or exclude women from serving onboard vessels.

She noted that such practices are not only discouraging but also discriminatory, as they prevent qualified women from contributing their skills and expertise to the development of the maritime industry.

Engr. Omede stressed that the maritime sector should provide opportunities based on competence, professionalism, and dedication rather than gender.

Call for MWUN Intervention

As the Founder of Fem’Fit Sailors, a platform focused on mentoring, empowering, and advocating for female seafarers, Engr. Omede appealed to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria to use its influence to engage relevant stakeholders and promote equal employment opportunities for women.

She urged the Union to support efforts aimed at removing barriers that prevent qualified female seafarers from gaining meaningful employment and advancing their careers within the maritime industry.

MWUN President General Responds

Responding to the concerns raised, the President General Comrade Francis Bunu assured Engr. Omede that the Union would continue to engage relevant stakeholders and make efforts toward addressing gender discrimination within the maritime sector.

He reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to fairness and to creating an enabling environment where qualified female seafarers can contribute meaningfully and thrive in their profession.

The assurance was welcomed by Engr. Omede, who described the meeting as productive and encouraging.

Fem’Fit Sailors Reaffirms Commitment

Engr. Omede expressed optimism that sustained advocacy, dialogue, and collaboration among industry stakeholders would help eliminate some of the barriers facing women in the maritime profession.

She reiterated her commitment to using the Fem’Fit Sailors platform to inspire, mentor, empower, and support aspiring female seafarers while advocating for policies and practices that promote inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities.

According to her:

“The maritime industry should be driven by competence, professionalism, and dedication—not gender. When women are given equal opportunities, the industry becomes stronger and more prosperous for everyone.”

 

The engagement highlights the growing call for a more inclusive maritime industry in Nigeria, where qualified women can compete and build careers based on their skills and professional capabilities.

With continued advocacy from organisations such as Fem’Fit Sailors and engagement from industry stakeholders, there is optimism that more opportunities will become available to women seeking careers in Nigeria’s maritime sector.