Addressing the Maritime SheEO conference held on November 15, 2024, at the Taj Santacruz in Mumbai, Sanjam Sahi Gupta briefed how it all started in 2018, when Dr. Malini Shankar nominated her for the Sandvik Gender Award, and went on to award her funding for a project that was India’s first survey to get data for women in maritime.
She said, “When we got that data, we realized there are very few women leaders. So that’s why the Need for Maritime SheEO started. We started with a leadership accelerator program for women in maritime, called LEAP.”
“We’re very happy that the IMO has funded three batches of 30 women each, internationally. So, 90 women have undergone the LEAP program from all across the globe. Apart from the leadership accelerator program, we also have a digital magazine called SHE of Change to spread awareness,” said Sanjam.
She further elaborated on challenges faced during Covid-19 pandemic times when conducting the Maritime SheEO Conference in 2020.
“Setting sail for equality is not just a phrase. It embodies our vision for the future, and, our collective journey towards a more equitable future,” she said.
She said that empowering women is essential for this navigation. Courage of conviction is the foundation upon which we stand. It is about having the bravery to voice our beliefs, to challenge the status quo, and to advocate for change, especially for the women in our industry who have demonstrated resilience, tenacity, and vision. This courage requires all of us to confront uncomfortable truths and take bold steps towards a future.
“A diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives and opens the door to fresh ideas, which is vital as we strive to address the significant challenges of our time,” she said.
She stressed that the conference marks an important step dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the maritime industry.
Further elaborating on the importance of women in maritime industry she said, “Today, we recognize the vital role that women’s leadership plays in shaping the future of maritime, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges. Women comprise only a small percentage of the workforce in this sector. Diversity is not just a matter of fairness. It is essential for innovation and resilience.”
“Let us work towards opening doors for women in maritime, to mentor future leaders, and to build a more inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. All the best for a successful and inspiring conference, she said.
