Tanzania is urging shipowners to establish robust mechanisms to prevent, detect and address harassment, especially against women, while promoting human dignity and gender equality aboard vessels. The call was made by Minister for Transport, Makame Mbarawa, in a speech read on his behalf by the Zanzibar Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, according to an article in Tanzania’s The Citizen.
“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 Mbarawa.
He urged maritime regulatory bodies to closely monitor the welfare of seafarers, with particular attention to the needs and rights of women. Tanzania has made significant strides toward gender equality. The country elected its first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, in 2021. And as of February 2024, 37.4% of seats in parliament were held by 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.
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, 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, 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.
