Women urged to buoy investment in fishing

Women in the maritime sector have been urged to increase their level of investment in the fishing business as well as position themselves to take key positions in shipping operations.
 
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, among those who spoke at an industry event, in Lagos, said active women participation is fundamental to the growth of the maritime sector.
   
Peterside, who was represented by NIMASA’s Director of Human Resources, Jumai Musa, emphasised the need for more awareness to enlighten the younger women to take up careers in the maritime industry.
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He said women have been playing a significant role in the sector, but stressed that more participation was needed.
   
“We should contribute our quotas to the effort to bridge the gender gap in the maritime industry. This will be good for the sector and the economy, generally, as it is common knowledge that women usually do all it takes to excel when given the opportunity,” Peterside said.
   
President of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Hamman, expressed satisfaction with the Association’s moves to empower women at the grassroots to be self-reliant
   
Hamman, who is also Assistant Director, Shipping Promotion, at NIMASA, said WISTA had strategised on how to carry out outreaches to create awareness, and encourage the youth, particularly women, to take advantage of opportunities in the maritime industry.
   
Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, pointed out that WISTA had actually created a foundation to encourage people to invest in the fishing sub-sector.
 
Ogbeifun said: “I am always encouraged reading everything you are doing in empowering women in fishing as well as educating young girls. It may look as if it is a small thing, but the women are playing the role of caring for their families.”
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