Tanzania calls on shipowners to fight harassment and promote gender equality at sea

Unguja. The government has urged shipowners to establish robust mechanisms to prevent, detect and address harassment, especially against women, while promoting human dignity and gender equality aboard vessels.

This call was made on Saturday, June 22, 2025, by the Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, in a speech read on his behalf by the Zanzibar Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, during the launch of activities to mark the International Day of the Seafarer, which is commemorated annually on June 25.

“It is the responsibility of every stakeholder in the maritime sector to ensure that all ships are safe spaces that uphold dignity, rights, and equality. Shipowners must put in place effective systems to prevent and respond to any form of harassment and raise awareness among crew members about acceptable conduct,” said Prof Mbarawa.

He further urged maritime regulatory bodies to closely monitor the welfare of seafarers, with particular attention to the needs and rights of women.

“It is crucial that all matters affecting female seafarers are handled professionally, given priority, and addressed promptly. This includes tackling issues related to safety, working conditions, equal opportunities, and maternity rights in the workplace,” he said.

Prof Mbarawa also reminded shipowners of their obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), including the provision of formal employment contracts and entitlements such as decent accommodation, nutritious food, protective equipment, and occupational safety.

He stressed that seafaring is a demanding job that deserves fair treatment and supportive working environments.

Despite the central role of the maritime sector in the global economy, Prof Mbarawa noted that multiple reports highlight a shortage of skilled seafarers, especially those with mid- and high-level technical expertise. He encouraged Tanzanian seafarers to seize the available opportunities.

“In the context of the Blue Economy, seafarers can tap into broader development areas such as shipbuilding, marine equipment manufacturing, sustainable fishing, and strategic tourism,” he said.

He added that achieving this requires sound policy, impactful investment, and strong collaboration between government institutions and the private sector. “This is the right time for young people of all genders to embrace these opportunities,” he noted.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) Board, Mr Mustafa Aboud Jumbe, said seafaring is a discipline-intensive profession that should be pursued with dedication and professionalism to meet national and industry goals.

He reminded shipping companies of their duty to protect female seafarers from abuse, saying such incidents can discourage women from pursuing careers in the sector. “These practices must be exposed and addressed with urgency,” he added.

The Acting Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (Tasac), Mr Nelson Mlali, said the ocean offers vast opportunities, including livelihoods, and urged all stakeholders to protect marine resources and uphold safety standards for workers.

“Every vessel must guarantee a safe and inclusive working environment for all employees, regardless of gender,” he said.

“We will ensure Tasac remains at the forefront of protecting seafarers’ safety, rights, and dignity at all times,” Mr Mlali added.

The Principal of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI), Prof Tumaini Gurumo, also addressed the gathering and said the institute is proud of its contribution to the maritime sector. He encouraged more young people to pursue careers in maritime professions.