gender diversity — Columbia Shipmanagement is making significant strides in advancing gender diversity at sea, following a recent gathering at the She Beyond Conference in Manila. This event saw female seafarers from the company’s global fleet come together to share their experiences and shape future initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive maritime environment.
- She highlighted key pillars such as mentorship, visibility, and genuine connection as essential for helping women advance in their careers.
Currently, women constitute just one per cent of the world’s seafaring workforce, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures. Columbia’s She Beyond initiative seeks to enhance opportunities, bolster support systems, and ensure that women feel valued in their maritime careers.
Gender diversity: A Day of Dialogue and Empowerment
The conference featured contributions from women across various departments, including deck, engine, and hotel operations, marking a significant increase in female participation in operational roles onboard vessels. The day commenced with opening remarks from Simona Toma, Chief of Maritime HR at Columbia Group, who urged for greater recognition of the everyday realities women face at sea.
According to Toma, “The ideas and experiences shared throughout the She Beyond Conference will play an important role in shaping our ongoing efforts to support the growth and wellbeing of women at sea.” Her emphasis on community and support was echoed throughout the event.
Building Skills and Confidence
The agenda included various sessions led by senior members of the Group, with Claudia Paschkewitz, Director of Sustainability, Inclusion and Diversity, sharing updates on initiatives aimed at empowering women. Paschkewitz stressed that supporting women at sea goes beyond mere recruitment, stating, “It means creating an environment where women feel they belong and can see a clear path to leadership.”
She highlighted key pillars such as mentorship, visibility, and genuine connection as essential for helping women advance in their careers.
Confronting Unconscious Bias
A workshop on unconscious bias, facilitated by Mental Health Support Solutions, prompted participants to examine their everyday behaviours and assumptions. This interactive session was crucial in encouraging self-reflection among attendees.
Following this, an open forum allowed women to share their personal stories, shedding light on the challenges and ambitions that shape their professional journeys. This candid exchange provided Columbia with valuable insights into the support structures needed to foster a more equitable workplace.
Facing Challenges Head-On
A session dedicated to discussing the realities of women on board featured contributions from Anca Preda, Director of Maritime HR (Cruise), and Claudia Paschkewitz. Participants openly addressed pressures, expectations, and cultural barriers they encounter across different vessel types. The discussions culminated in a question-and-answer segment, as well as an action-planning exercise designed to ensure that women’s lived experiences directly inform future welfare and development initiatives.
Celebrating Dedication and Service
The day concluded with a dinner and awards ceremony that recognised exceptional service and professional dedication. Among those honoured was Divina De Chavez Reyes, who received a long-service award for her twenty years of commitment to Columbia.
Reflecting on the event, Mark O’Neil, CEO of Columbia Group, asserted that women “have always had a rightful place at sea.” He highlighted the industry’s obligation to create opportunities and working environments that reflect this reality. O’Neil noted, “Initiatives such as She Beyond allow the company to listen directly to the women shaping the future of its fleet and to build stronger systems of support.”
As Columbia continues to invest in programmes that empower women and dismantle barriers, it is clear that a diverse workforce is not just a goal, but a necessity for a resilient maritime sector.
