By The Editorial Team
During FAS Maritime’s visit to the Norwegian Ambassador Christian Haas Lyster’s residence upon the invitation of the Norwegian Embassy to celebrate Women’s Month, we had the opportunity to engage with young Filipina cadets and scholars of the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) —on pressing issues faced by women in the maritime industry. For the past decade, women have comprised only a mere 2% of the seafaring workforce in international waters. FAS Maritime posed a question to these future SHEfarers to the global fleet revealing insightful thoughts.
Q: How will you encourage more female seafarers to join the industry and progress in a career when there remain limited job opportunities for females in the Philippine seafaring sector, as well as the great responsibility women partake in when creating a family and facing motherhood on the horizon?
“As a woman with firsthand onboard experience, I’ve learned that job requirements should never hold you back from pursuing a maritime career. True success isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about wisdom, resilience, and determination. Women bring valuable skills that drive growth both at sea and ashore. No woman should have to choose between family and career; instead, the industry must evolve to provide better support and sustainability. Empower yourself, break barriers, and prove that women belong at sea—because the oceans are for everyone.” — NSA Cadet Leonica Cortez, University of Cebu Lapu Lapu and Mandaue
“Despite gender stereotypes, women consistently prove their place in the maritime industry by showing resilience, leadership, and excellence, rising through the ranks to become captains and chief engineers. It is high time for the industry to take women seriously and actively support initiatives like gender-inclusive policies, scholarships, and training programs, which are already possible under the NSA Cadetship Program. Every woman has the right to choose her future, and when motherhood begins, companies should support her by offering programs that keep her on track, whether at sea or on shore. The maritime industry, like the vast ocean, offers endless opportunities, and nothing—not even a period or childbirth—can steer an empowered woman away from reaching them.” — NSA Cadet Ma. Cassandra Aballe, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“I’d encourage more women to join by pushing for real opportunities. Skills should matter more than gender. If the industry opens more doors and values women’s contributions, more of us will step up and thrive. And for women who choose to start families, that shouldn’t mean the end of their careers. There need to be better policies that allow women to balance both so they can continue to grow in their profession while also building a family.”
— NSA Cadet Lorraine Desamparado, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“Empowering women in the maritime industry begins with breaking barriers and proving that competence knows no gender. We must advocate for inclusive policies that open more opportunities for female seafarers while fostering a culture that values their skills and leadership. By strengthening maritime programs that empower women, promote inclusivity, and highlight the success stories of female seafarers who have thrived at sea, we can inspire the next generation to dream bigger. Companies should also advocate career pathways that offer flexible work arrangements and policies that let female seafarers chase their dreams at sea without sacrificing the life they cherish on land. When we uplift and support each other, we create a future where women confidently sail toward success, proving that skills, determination, and passion—not gender—are what matter in the industry.”
— NSA Cadet Eylau Fabila, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“Being a female in a male-dominated field means being restricted to several conformities and stereotypes. You just have to show yourself, your skills, and prove them wrong. This is the best way to fight against all derogatory remarks. As for women subject to retiring early to build families, this is a choice that they should have. Being a seafarer and being a mother should not be of anybody’s concern but that of the woman herself. She is free to choose whatever path she may want to pursue, whether it be a seasoned seafarer, a nurturing mother, or even both.” — NSA Cadet Scheiffer Larra Jimenez, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“Being a woman is not just about being born female. ‘Shefarers’ have faced countless challenges yet continue to rise and face the storm ahead. It is an absolute demonstration of how, as women, we can demolish the outdated ideology that the maritime industry is only for the other half of the population. It is an industry filled with challenges yet rewarding, and it offers endless possibilities. In today’s world, women have diverse opportunities to work either on board or ashore. As we continue to break barriers and embrace inclusivity in the maritime industry, the time has come for us to stop ridiculing ‘shefarers’ for choosing motherhood, as balancing a maritime career and family life is a personal choice that deserves respect, acknowledgment, and support.” — NSA Cadet Cherish Diane Labandero, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“As a woman encouraging other women, the seemingly accustomed barriers are only there if we think of them. As we dismantle these barriers, the industry will show that the ocean offers vast uncharted opportunities. The industry sees skills and not gender, and with the initiatives of organizations building a strong supportive network of female seafarers, we will know that we are just as capable. Women should have the opportunity to build both a successful career and a fulfilling family life without having to choose between the two. Through better policies and cultural shifts, women can thrive professionally and personally.” — NSA Cadet Mariel Nacario, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“I firmly believe breaking the stigma and promoting inclusivity are keys to encouraging more female seafarers, especially young women aspirants. Women are just as capable of leading and excelling at sea as men. To make this a reality, the industry must expand job opportunities by enforcing equal hiring policies, ensuring fair access to cadetship programs, and supporting female cadets just like in the program I am currently in. Addressing early retirement is also significant; the industry and companies should offer flexible contracts, shore-based roles, and maternity policies so women don’t have to choose between their careers and family. Accompanied by strong mentorship and leadership programs, women can thrive onboard and also rise to top maritime positions. It’s time to change perceptions, break barriers, and create an industry where women are empowered to succeed at sea and in leadership.”
— NSA Cadet Jessa Mae Pagal, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“It is crucial to promote awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within the maritime industry. Women’s capabilities have no limits. Despite adversity, there are many opportunities ahead for an aspiring female seafarer. A career at sea can help build a more inclusive future while combining working aspirations with family life. Together, we can shatter barriers and pave the way for a new generation of women at sea.” — NSA Cadet Jimeve Tembrevilla, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
“History may have limited our opportunities, but we won’t let it define our future. Women seafarers have broken barriers—so can we. Technology has been developing, and programs like the NSA have been supporting and giving opportunities to women; all we have to do is take the chance. By claiming our place in a male-dominated field, we prove that gender equality isn’t just a dream but a reality we create. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Seafaring is an adventure; if you stop too early, you might miss an opportunity to discover more about the world and yourself.” — NSA Cadet Shiena Villamor, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LIMA Campus)
His excellency, Ambassador Lyster, underscored the importance of celebrating women and highlighted their vital role in strengthening the maritime community—whether by manning vessels that drive the global economy while navigating traditional challenges in the shipping sector or, as the NSA cadets pointed out, contributing through land-based manpower.
Indeed, the choice of whether Filipina seafarers work onboard or ashore should never be a question. True equality means welcoming them into the workforce with the same growth opportunities that men have long enjoyed in the maritime industry.
Initiatives like those led by the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) in the Philippines and the NSA not only cultivate the skills of women cadets but also uplift Filipina seafarers, equipping them to overcome the unique challenges they face.
Ambassador Lyster remains steadfast in Norway’s commitment to championing women’s rights and fostering greater inclusivity in the maritime sector.
FAS Maritime 
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