In News:

The Government of India launched the Sagar Mein Samman (SMS) initiative on International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May), observed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The 2025 theme is “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women.”

About the Initiative:

• Objective: To build a gender-equitable maritime workforce by promoting inclusivity, safety, skill development, leadership, and equal opportunities for women across seafaring and shore-based maritime operations.
• Alignment:
  • IMO’s gender inclusion mandate.
  • UN SDG-5 (Gender Equality).
  • India’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework.
  • Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Key Features:

• Structured Policy Roadmap covering:
  • Planning & strategy.
  • Training & development.
  • Research & innovation.
  • Governance & compliance.
  • Outreach & communications.
• Financial Support: ~2,989 women received assistance since 2014.
• Incentives for Industry: Shipping companies are incentivized to hire women; scholarships support training.

Achievements:

• 649% growth in women seafarers:From 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024.
• Rise in financial aid beneficiaries:From 45 in 2014-15 to 732 in 2024-25.
• Female representation target:12% in technical maritime roles by 2030.
• Increasing employment of Indian women on Indian and foreign-flagged ships.

Recognition and Outreach:

• Women Leaders Honoured: Ten outstanding women were felicitated for their contributions to maritime.
• Focus on awareness campaigns, onshore job facilitation, and leadership opportunities.

Significance:

• Aims to dismantle gender-based barriers and promote inclusive economic growth.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to gender equity as a strategic enabler of maritime sustainability and national development.
• Aligns with global maritime norms and India’s broader commitment to SDGs.

Other Key Maritime Initiatives:

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Maritime security and regional cooperation.
• Maritime India Vision 2030: Long-term strategy for port-led development and gender inclusion.