Female cadets seeing growing acceptance says Columbia Group
(Posted on 22/05/24)
The maritime sector is at a crossroads, grappling with an evolution that is as necessary as it is overdue - the integration and empowerment of women within its ranks.
Since Columbia Group’s establishment of its female cadet mentoring programme, it is witnessing transformative changes that signal a brighter, more inclusive future. As the industry celebrates these advances, it is clear the sector must also confront the challenges that hinder true gender equality.
Columbia Group’s Director of Sustainability, Inclusivity and Diversity, Claudia Paschkewitz said: “We’ve established a mentor programme to support women onboard which has been a huge success.
"One of our mentors, Madeleine Schuemann volunteered to support and it’s been fantastic. However, her mentee’s experiences onboard reveal a dual reality - while many male colleagues are supportive and helpful, initially eager to assist with physically demanding tasks, it is only upon asserting her capability that she receives the respect and space to perform independently. This adjustment period, though seemingly minor, underscores a larger issue of preconceived notions about women’s roles and abilities.
"However, not all interactions are so benign. Instances can still occur where women, eager to contribute and excel, face outright dissent from those unable to shed their antiquated views. Such encounters are disheartening and demonstrate that the path to equality is strewn with obstacles. It is important that as a responsible ship manager we are working with these crew members to help them change these attitudes and welcome more diverse crew members.”
Despite these challenges, the spirit of female cadets remains unbroken. Mico Clidoro, another cadet, articulates a sentiment that many women in maritime share - embracing these challenges as opportunities to prove their worth and capabilities. "As a woman in a male-dominated industry, confidence is your major pillar," said Mico Clidoro, highlighting the inner strength required to not only endure but excel in such environments.
Support systems like Columbia’s female cadetship programme are crucial. They provide not just practical advice and career guidance but also psychological support, as noted by Julia Oppermann, a Clinical Psychologist with Mental Health Support Solutions. She said: "Just speaking to someone can take a lot of weight off their minds. It's great to see just how many women are advancing in the maritime sector thanks to the support of the programme."
Ms Paschkewitz, added: “The maritime sector must continue to evolve, embracing diversity not as a quota to be met but as a value to be upheld. It is time for the industry to actively dismantle the remnants of exclusion and recognise the invaluable contributions of women. Their empowerment and integration are not just beneficial, but essential for the future of maritime. The tide is turning in the maritime industry, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure it moves in the right direction.”
Latest News
Record numbers from Indian subcontinent for Sailors’ Society conference
(Posted on 22/09/25)More than 4000 cadets, trainees and ratings from the Indian subcontinent took part in the first of Sailors... Read more
The Swedish Club expands management team
(Posted on 22/09/25)The Swedish Club have announced that it is strengthening its management team to match the pace of its... Read more
Shipowners face Port State Control crackdown on BWTS compliance
(Posted on 22/09/25)BIO-UV Group is advising shipowners to ready themselves for extensive Port State Control inspections... Read more
CORE POWER welcomes agreement to accelerate investment in maritime decarbonisation
(Posted on 16/09/25)The U.S. and the UK have announced a bilateral collaboration to accelerate reactor licensing from three... Read more
Cobelfret accelerates digital transformation with integrated maritime platform
(Posted on 14/09/25)Cobelfret, a leading global dry bulk shipowner and operator based in Singapore, has partnered with Smart... Read more
Support grows for India’s new maritime CCTV rules
(Posted on 14/09/25)Zelim is calling on international regulators and flag states to follow India’s lead on enhancing... Read more
Ionic extends Orca AI to bulker fleet to boost safety
(Posted on 09/09/25)Athens-based Ionic controls a fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers under its respective wet and... Read more
Columbia and Pan Marine launch Egyptian JV
(Posted on 09/09/25)Columbia Group, a global leader in integrated maritime services, has announced the establishment of... Read more
Indonesian ship operator selects Veson as partner for digitalisation Journey
(Posted on 01/09/25)Veson Nautical, a global leader in maritime data and freight management solutions, and Andhika Lines... Read more
VIKAND : Digitalisation presents emerging psychological pressures for seafarers
(Posted on 01/09/25)As the digital transformation accelerates across the maritime industry, global maritime healthcare leader... Read more
