ALFRED Mahan once said “whoever rules the waves, rules the world” which is very much true, but how can a state rule the waves if half of its power and strength is left behind on gender biasness. The oceans are the keystone of growth. Pakistan has an extensive 1001km of coastline, a state where nearly half the population is female, the disconnect between the country’s maritime potential and women’s participation is microscopic. From the busy ports to supporting institutions like the Pakistan Navy and maritime academia, women stay significantly underrepresented. The latest survey conducted by IMO and WISTA, said that the total female maritime workforce worldwide is under 19%, with only 1% is serving in seafaring roles. This lag is not merely a function of dwindling numbers but reflects deeper socio economic, cultural and institutional barriers that have kept women on the periphery of an industry integral to national development.

The worst part is it’s not just our country falling behind but the entire globe is facing this constraint, gender gaps persist even in maritime nations with structured inclusion strategies. I feel it’s clear that we live in a patriarchal world where men stay dominant with leadership positions and sea-going operational roles while women are mostly appointed at onshore support roles,........

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