How difficult is the role of a woman as international independent Marine Insurance-Re Insurance broker, Risk Manager and Marine Claims consultant in shipping industry?
The essential issue, in any profession, is how each of us perceives and deals with the term “difficulty”. Some face it as an obstacle, which puts them off, stopping them from advancing further. Others see it as a new challenge and immediately get into action finding all possible ways to solve it.
We all face difficulties every day in our work, sometimes smaller and sometimes bigger. Difficul- ties have no gender. Difficulties are encountered by men and women in shipping. The difference lies in how we can handle them. It is a matter of understanding, analytical thinking, experience, knowledge and a high level of self motivation and professionalism.
For the decided, strong willed and focused on the end result, difficulties are opportunities for further evaluation, self betterment, a way to push themselves further in becoming more effec- tive, efficient and resourceful, in their route to success serving their clientele. Marine Insurance and Risk Management requires a high sense of responsibility and ethos, expertise and empathy, that is to know your client’s business well, his needs, his goals, strengths and weaknesses, in order to find the ideal solutions for his individual case with custom made insurance policies, always in direct communication with the client. Analysing all the information provided and the market prevailing conditions.
Women have proven that they can be effective and can carry out successfully many difficult multiple tasks. Thus, they have deservedly earned the respect and appreciation of the maritime community in a male-dominated sector, as shipping was in the past.
* Communications Executive, Marasco Marine Ltd
The answer was provided for NAFS magazine issue 143 in its special report “WOMEN in SHEPPING”