India Celebrates International Day for Women in Maritime; Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ to Boost Gender Equity and 739% Rise in Women Seafarers Under Modi Government

May 18, 2025, India celebrated the International Day for Women in Maritime in Mumbai, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the maritime sector. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the Sagar Mein Samman (SMS) policy, a pioneering initiative to boost women’s participation and create a gender-equitable maritime workforce. This move aligns with India’s ambition to become a global maritime powerhouse under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 

‘Sagar Mein Samman’: A Vision for Inclusivity

 The Sagar Mein Samman policy is designed to integrate women into all facets of maritime operations, from seafaring to decision-making roles. It provides a structured roadmap to bridge the gender gap by focusing on safety, leadership, and retention of women in the sector. The policy encompasses: - Planning & Strategy: To enhance women’s roles in maritime operations. - Training & Development: To equip women with necessary skills. - Safety & Well-being: To ensure a secure working environment. - Inclusivity & Equal Opportunity: To dismantle gender-based barriers. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized, “Sagar Mein Samman is a transformative movement to create a conducive environment for more women to join the maritime sector.” The initiative aligns with the government’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) objectives and the Maritime India Vision 2030, which promotes onshore jobs, scholarships, and awareness campaigns for women. 

Remarkable Growth in Women Seafarers

 Since 2014, India’s maritime sector has witnessed a 649% surge in women seafarers, growing from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024. Additionally, 2,989 women seafarers have received financial assistance during this period. The number of women seeking such support has risen from 45 in 2014-15 to 732 in 2024-25. Registered women seafarers have also increased by 739%, from 1,699 in 2015 to 14,255 in 2024. Sonowal noted, “Women seafarers are powering India’s maritime rise, marking a decade of steady progress in gender inclusion.” 

Celebrating Women Achievers

 During the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal honored 10 outstanding women in the maritime sector, including Sumita Banerji, Bharati Bhandarkar, Kalpana Desai, Poonam Nagpal, Yen Pinto, Archana Saxena Sangal, Rupali Raj Joshi, Capt Deepti Singh, and Amarjeet Rewari. Their contributions highlight the resilience and leadership of women in navigating challenges within the industry.

Key Metrics	2014/2015	2024/2025	Growth
Women Seafarers	341	2,557	649%
Registered Women Seafarers	1,699	14,255	739%
Women Seeking Financial Assistance	45	732	1,627%

Aligning with Global Goals

 

The event, themed “Women in Maritime: Leading Transformation and Sustainability,” was organized by the Directorate General of Shipping in collaboration with Sagar Mein Samman, Maritime Union of India, and National Maritime Day Committee. It featured a panel discussion on leadership and equity and a felicitation ceremony for women achievers. The celebration aligns with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) mission for gender inclusion and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sonowal stated, “Empowering women in maritime is a strategic necessity for innovation, strength, and a sustainable future.” 

A Roadmap to 2030

 

The Sagar Mein Samman policy sets an ambitious target of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030. By addressing empowerment, skill development, and professional well-being, it aims to create a future-ready workforce. Sonowal interacted with nearly 100 women seafarers at the event, calling them “pioneers and trailblazers who have navigated uncharted waters with courage.” 

Key Highlights of International Day for Women in Maritime

• Celebrated on May 18, 2025, with the launch of Sagar Mein Samman in Mumbai.
• Policy aims for 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030.
• Women seafarers grew by 649% from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024.
• 10 outstanding women honored for their contributions to the maritime sector.
• Aligns with IMO’s gender inclusion mission and UN SDGs for sustainability.