Mumbai: In a landmark move toward gender equity in India’s maritime sector, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS) policy at the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime celebration held in Mumbai. The policy is a major step in creating a future-ready, inclusive maritime workforce by significantly enhancing the participation of women in both seafaring and shore-based roles.
Launched under the theme “Women in Maritime: Leading Transformation and Sustainability,” the SMS initiative underscores the Government of India’s commitment to building a gender-equitable maritime ecosystem—one that supports, empowers, and retains women across all levels of the sector.
“Sagar Mein Samman is not just a policy—it is a transformative movement,” said Minister Sonowal in his address to nearly 100 women seafarers at the event. “This initiative will ensure that from docks to decision-making boards, women’s voices are heard, respected, and valued.”
The SMS policy, aligned with the government’s broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals, provides a structured framework to promote leadership, safety, inclusivity, skill development, and career advancement for women. Its scope includes training, R&D, governance, outreach, and communication, all aimed at dismantling barriers that have historically limited female representation in the maritime sector.
Highlighting India’s maritime progress since 2014, Sonowal cited remarkable growth in female participation. The number of women seafarers has risen from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024, representing a 649% increase. Moreover, registered women seafarers surged by 739%, from 1,699 in 2015 to 14,255 in 2024.
Financial assistance programs have also played a crucial role, with nearly 2,989 women receiving support since 2014. “This is not just a matter of gender equity—it is a strategic necessity. Women bring innovation, strength, and resilience to the maritime industry,” Sonowal said, calling “Nari Shakti” a cornerstone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a new Bharat.
The policy sets an ambitious goal of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030, in line with national and international commitments to gender parity.
As part of the celebrations, ten outstanding women from the maritime sector were honoured for their contributions. The awardees included Sumita Banerji, Bharati Bhandarkar, Kalpana Desai, Poonam Nagpal, Yen Pinto, Archana Saxena Sangal, Rupali Raj Joshi, Capt Deepti Singh, and Amarjeet Rewari.
“These women are trailblazers,” said Sonowal. “Their stories of courage and determination are not just inspiring—they are foundational to the transformation we envision.”
The event, jointly organized by the Directorate General of Shipping, the Maritime Union of India, and the National Maritime Day Committee, featured participation from government officials, port authorities, maritime professionals, academic leaders, and international stakeholders. Highlights included a panel discussion on women’s leadership in maritime, with a focus on equity, policy reforms, and sustainable development.
The initiative also echoes the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) theme: “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women,” and aligns with the 2025 World Maritime Day theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
In closing, Minister Sonowal reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the mental, physical, and professional well-being of women seafarers. “Sagar Mein Samman is our pledge—our promise to ensure that every woman sees the maritime world not as a barrier, but as a boundless sea of opportunity,” he said.
With strong policy backing, growing momentum, and the support of both government and industry, India is charting a bold new course toward maritime gender inclusion, setting a global example for inclusive and sustainable growth.
