Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: Aam Aadmi Party Benaulim MLA and seafarer Captain Venzy Viegas was felicitated at the ATPI-Marex International Maritime Women Empowerment Conference and Awards 2022, held in Mumbai on Wednesday.
The programme was organised by Marex Media Pvt Ltd, the publisher of the only bi-weekly maritime journal called ‘The MAREX Bulletin,’ on the occasion of International Day for Women in Maritime. The event was held to honour and commemorate the Women in Maritime.
Kitack Lim, Secretary General-International Maritime Organization, was the Chief Guest at the event. In addition, AAP Benaulim MLA and seafarer Captain Venzy Viegas, and Yasiel Burillo, Ambassador and Consulate General of Panama to India, were also present at the event.
Captain Venzy Viegas stated that the shipping industry has traditionally been dominated by men. However, attitudes are changing as the times change. The International Maritime Organization adopted a historic resolution on achieving a barrier-free environment for women working in the maritime sector at its 31st Assembly in December 2019.
Viegas said, “We are not here to do the women any favours; we are not here to ‘adjust’ and ‘make space’ for them. We are here to give them their rightful place. A place they have earned on their own grit, determination and hard work. Accommodating women isn’t a ‘burden’ or a ‘liability’ that men have to carry. All they ask for is to be treated on par — with the same dignity, respect and rewarded with the same responsibilities in accordance with their capabilities”.
He further said, “This being the inaugural edition of the International Day for Women in Maritime, let us resolve not to make it just an annual token affair. Let us identify some practical and immediate steps we can take to bring gender equality in shipping. If any young women are thinking of taking up a job in the maritime sector, let us do our best to encourage them”.
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