Norway steps forward and initiates a Collaboration Agreement with maritime industry to improve gender balance
Ms. Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans signed a new co-operation agreement with the maritime industry on gender equality on 4 March 2025.
The agreement commits the parties to concrete measures for better recruitment, a safer working environment and a more inclusive workplace for everyone.
A plan for action The government and the parties in the maritime industry will now recruit more women to maritime professions through mentoring schemes and cooperation with educational institutions. They also emphasise the need for a working environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed. The parties will also work to prevent harassment and create effective whistleblowing systems as some of the measures highlighted in the declaration. In addition, it is agreed that working conditions should be adapted so that a maritime career is possible at all stages of life. Leading the way in gender equality This is not just a document - it is a concrete plan for how the industry will develop and become more gender equal. Now the work of implementing concrete measures begins, and no-one can stand on the sidelines," writes the coastal shipping companies in a press release after the signing.
According to the online News portal Regierengen.no, the declaration of cooperation is signed by the authorities represented by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans) and the maritime industry represented by the following social partners: - Det Norske Maskinistforbund - Hurtigbåtforbundet - Kystrederiene - NHO Sjøfart - Norges Rederiforbund - Norsk Sjømannsforbund - Norsk Sjøoffiserforbund - Sjøfartsdirektoratet - Sjømat Norge In addition, the following organisations support the intention of the declaration and will support further work where appropriate: - Cefor - LO - Maritime Forum - NHO - Norwegian Industry - Norwegian Shipbrokers' Association - Unio - WISTA Norway.
If you would like to read more about this important milestone for the maritime sectortowards gender equality, please visit these websites:
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/regjeringen-og-maritim-naring-gar-sammen-for-a-styrke-likestillingen-i-naringen/id3090418/?utm_source=regjeringen.no&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nyhetsvarsel20250304-17:10
https://www.kystens.no/nyheter/slik-skal-hun-fa-flere-kvinner-til-bransjen-vil-folge-opp-arbeidet-tett/2-1-1787494?mc_cid=eb9c518ce1&mc_eid=db8e39c6e6&utm_campaign=eb9c518ce1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_10_20_06_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Maritimt+Forum+Nordvest&utm_term=0_-5cf7a8c298-276520691
