Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Lydia Chikunya
“It’s a continuous service of investing into women in the maritime sector, in our universities, in our industry, and in our communities, where real transformation must take place.” said Lydia Chikunya, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Minister Chikunya was the keynote speaker at SAIMI’s (South African International Maritime Institute) recent Women’s Event, themed “Accelerate Action: Empowering Women to Navigate New Horizons”, attended by women from government, universities, and local schools.
SAIMI is hosted by and based on Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus.
The event focused on increasing women’s participation in maritime sectors, including shipping, ports, and ocean-related industries.
The Minister emphasised the persistent inequalities women face in maritime industries, where globally only 1% of seafarers and 16% of private maritime workers are women. In South Africa, women make up 24% of the maritime workforce but just 12% hold leadership roles.
She cited barriers like limited access to training and male-dominated work environments, saying, “Women are still treated as passengers in spaces where they must be captains.”
Minister Chikunya highlighted Operation Phakisa as a major economic initiative that must include women at its core. She called for practical steps, such as scholarships, business opportunities, and leadership mentoring, stating that empowering women is essential for economic growth and sustainability.
Dr Nandipha Sishuba, Executive Director of Human Resources at Mandela University, highlighted progress in female representation, citing Transnet Ports where women lead in Richards Bay (62%), East London (50%), and Durban (42%). She noted a growing, though still limited, presence of women in offshore and technical roles.
Zukiswa Kimani (left), Chief Director of Industrial Policy at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTCI) called Operation Phakisa a major milestone for South Africa’s maritime sector, bringing hope for growth amid high unemployment, sitting at over 32%, and especially among youth and women.
She shared her personal challenges entering the male-dominated boatbuilding field, but credited mentorship from senior women, helping her learn and grow.
She emphasised the importance of research, which guided their policy development and interventions in the sector.
Kimani finalised by saying “As youngsters in the room, I cannot understate the importance of research, because it empowers us as we venture into new spaces.”