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Women in India's Maritime Sector Surge 340% Since 2020

Women's participation in India's maritime sector has surged by nearly 340% since 2020, as announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue. The 'Sagar Mein Samman' initiative is credited with promoting dignity, inclusion, and leadership opportunities for women. Sonowal emphasized the Indian Ocean's role as a global lifeline and called for stronger regional cooperation. The event also featured foreign ministers from Mauritius and Yemen, highlighting India's commitment to maritime security and equitable development.

Key Points: Women's Maritime Participation Jumps 340%: Sonowal

  • Women's participation in maritime sector up 340% since 2020
  • Sarbananda Sonowal highlights 'Sagar Mein Samman' initiative
  • Aligned with PM Modi's vision for maritime economy and empowerment
  • Indian Ocean Dialogue focuses on regional cooperation and security
2 min read

Women's participation in India's maritime sector jumps 340 pc since 2020: Sarbananda Sonowal

India's maritime sector sees 340% rise in women's participation since 2020, says Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue.

"Through initiatives like 'Sagar Mein Samman', we are advancing dignity, inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector. - Sarbananda Sonowal"

New Delhi, May 7

India's maritime sector has witnessed a sharp rise in women's participation, increasing by nearly 340 per cent since 2020, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.

Addressing the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in the national capital, Sonowal said initiatives such as "Sagar Mein Samman" are helping create greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector by promoting dignity, inclusion and leadership. He said the transformation reflects the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the maritime economy while ensuring social empowerment.

"Through initiatives like 'Sagar Mein Samman', we are advancing dignity, inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector, which has seen a remarkable rise of about 340 percent since 2020," Sonowal said during his keynote address.

The minister said India's maritime strategy places equal emphasis on the "human element" alongside security, connectivity and sustainability. According to him, the Indian Ocean remains central to global trade, energy flows and supply chains, making stronger regional cooperation and resilience increasingly important.

"The Indian Ocean is not just a geographic space, but a global lifeline," Sonowal said, stressing the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging maritime challenges.

The event was attended by Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful and Yemen's Minister of State Waleed Mohammed Al-Qadimi, among other ministers, policymakers, academics and industry leaders.

Sonowal said India's maritime initiatives are aligned with frameworks such as SAGAR -- Security and Growth for All in the Region -- and MAHASAGAR, which seek to strengthen regional cooperation and promote equitable development across the Indian Ocean Region.

He also reiterated India's commitment to acting as a "net security provider" in the region through humanitarian assistance, maritime surveillance and disaster response initiatives.

Emphasising the importance of collective action, Sonowal said no single country can tackle maritime challenges alone and called for greater cooperation based on transparency and respect for international law.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
Good that women are entering this field, but 340% growth from what baseline? In 2020, women were practically invisible in Indian maritime. Let's see actual numbers and retention rates. Also, salaries and safety at sea need to match international standards for true empowerment.
A
Ananya R
"Sagar Mein Samman" is such a meaningful initiative name - dignity in the ocean. My mother always said the sea respects no gender, only skill. It's heartening that the Ministry is walking the talk on women's participation, not just in IT or services but in core sectors like maritime. 🇮🇳
V
Vikram M
As someone who worked in Indian ports for 30 years, this is a welcome change. The maritime sector is tough but rewarding. I just hope the infrastructure - like women-only accommodations on ships and ports - is being upgraded. We need more than just numbers; dignity and safety matter most. Well done, Minister Sonowal!
K
Kavya N
This is a big deal for a traditionally male-dominated field! My cousin just joined a shipping company in Mumbai as a deck cadet. She says the environment is supportive now. The SAGAR and MAHASAGAR frameworks sound promising too - India playing a bigger role in Indian Ocean security. Let's hope this momentum continues! 🌊✨

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