Women’s career fair seeks new talent in ship recycling

Ship recycling companies in Bangladesh have confirmed their intentions to hire more women, after acknowledging the "wasted talent" in an industry that has traditionally barred females from employment.

A careers fair hosted by the City of Chattogram, organised by IMO's Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling (SENSREC) Project in collaboration with the Women in International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) in Bangladesh, focused on supporting women's access to the country's ship recycling sector.

The event brought together the country's leading ship recycling companies along with women seafarers, maritime professionals, graduates and students from the Asian Women University and other leading institutions in the city. Participants had the opportunity to visit the exhibition stands to speak directly with potential employers.

Women participants had the opportunity to learn about the wide range of roles in ship recycling and get in-person tips for seeking employment and developing a professional career.

Discussions highlighted the recently published Gender Sensitisation Manual for the Ship Recycling Sector, which raises awareness of the benefits of gender inclusive workforce and includes recommendations on how to achieve gender balance while avoiding common bias and discrimination.