A study on career support and development for Japanese women seafarers

A study on career support and development for Japanese women seafarers
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of women in the maritime industry. This is due in part to the recognition of the valuable contributions that women can make to this traditionally male-dominated field. In particular, there has been a focus on the career support and development of women seafarers in Japan.

There are several reasons why career support and development for Japanese women seafarers is an important topic of study. First, the maritime industry is a crucial part of the global economy, with ships transporting 90% of the world’s goods. Therefore, having a diverse and well-trained workforce is essential for the industry’s continued success. Second, Japan has a long and storied history as a maritime nation, with a rich tradition of seafaring dating back to ancient times. Despite this, women have historically been underrepresented in the Japanese maritime industry, with only 2.6% of the country’s seafarers being female in 2019.

One of the main challenges facing women seafarers in Japan is the lack of career support and development opportunities. This is due in part to the traditional gender roles that still exist in Japanese society, which can make it difficult for women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields such as the maritime industry. In addition, there is a lack of information and support available to women who are interested in pursuing careers as seafarers. This can make it difficult for women to gain the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the industry.

To address these challenges, various organizations and initiatives have been established to provide career support and development opportunities for Japanese women seafarers. These include the Women’s Seafarers Support Center, which was established in 2009 by the Japan Shipowners’ Association. The center provides information and support to women interested in pursuing careers as seafarers, as well as offering training and development opportunities.