The critical role of seafarers and the unique aspects of their profession gained prominence during the pandemic, as the industry advocated for their recognition as key workers.

This situation underscored the longstanding issue of crew shortages, a challenge the industry has faced for years. Various industry organizations have sought to address the root causes of this issue, which, in my view, are tied to the values and cultural norms of different societies, as well as the shift in societal mindsets brought about by periods of economic growth. 
WISTA has long championed diversity and inclusion, both onshore and at sea. With women making up 50% of the global workforce, offering them opportunities to work aboard ships is a vital step toward addressing challenges in the maritime industry. However, this goal is easier said than done, as stereotypes and the gendered perception of professions remain prevalent across sectors. To address this, WISTA has prioritized efforts to shift mindsets and foster cultural change within companies and among individuals. 
Focusing specifically on the activities of WISTA Hellas, we have worked to spotlight the achievements of women who, through hard work and determination, have succeeded in pursuing careers at sea. Additionally, we have served as a platform for shipping companies to exchange ideas, share positive experiences, and celebrate success stories related to employing women seafarers. In line with WISTA’s mission to attract young talent to the shipping industry, we have actively participated in initiatives aimed at cadets, including visits to numerous merchant marine academies across the country. 
While addressing crew shortages is undeniably crucial, the broader advantages of a multicultural workforce should not be overlooked. In an intensive industry like ship- ping, talented employees who offer diverse cultural perspectives and a wider range of skills are invaluable assets to daily operations, fostering problem-solving and driving innovation. Taking this a step further, the industry should strive to adopt a more comprehensive approach to inclusivity, welcoming competent and high-per- forming individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or other factors. Because inclusivity goes hand in hand with meritocracy. 
The shortage of seafarers is an issue that cannot be addressed in isolation, nor does it have a quick-fix solution. Tackling this challenge requires the industry to adopt an open-minded approach, overcoming barriers and obstacles through the careful development of long-term strategies aimed at achieving an industry-wide cultural shift. While changing perceptions is never easy, I am optimistic that the results of the IMO and WISTA International Women in Maritime survey will deliver an encouraging message. These results are likely to highlight the efforts of pioneering companies that have already created environments offering equal opportunities to all qualified candidates, including women seafarers. An I sincerely hope that this will serve as a paradigm for others to follow! 
*President WISTA Hellas