Greece is a Global Leader In Female Maritime Employment

The presence of women in Greece’s maritime profession is growing, with the latest NAT report showing a notable increase in female maritime employment over the past year. According to Georgia Maniati, NAT’s director, women now account for 7.8% of registered seafarers in Greece, far exceeding the global average of 2.4% in 2022.

“Analysis of 2024 administrative data confirms that the Greek maritime labor market has one of the highest female participation rates worldwide,” Maniati told APE-MPE. Registered female seafarers totaled 2,048 last year, with almost all being Greek nationals.

The rise reflects a growing interest from women in maritime studies and careers, challenging the traditionally male-dominated sector. However, barriers remain, including limited awareness of opportunities, persistent stereotypes, difficulty balancing family and work life, and gender-based disparities in pay, leave, and benefits.

To address these challenges, NAT’s recent study identifies approximately 25 good practices grouped into five main categories:

1. Awareness and Empowerment Programs: Initiatives aimed at informing and encouraging women to enter and stay in the maritime profession, including campaigns in schools and mentoring programs.

2. Prevention and Anti-Discrimination Programs: Measures to combat harassment and gender-based discrimination in maritime workplaces.

3. Research and Studies: Studies examining the profile, working conditions, and career prospects of women in shipping, providing data-driven guidance for policies.

4. Guides and Handbooks: Practical resources and manuals designed to support women seafarers and ensure best practices in employment.

5. Recognition and Awards Programs: Schemes highlighting achievements and exemplary practices to inspire and reward female participation in the sector.

Maniati emphasized that many of these practices, such as school campaigns, supporting maternity and work-life balance, and zero tolerance for harassment, can be implemented immediately in Greece.

Looking ahead to 2026, NAT is preparing a special action plan for female maritime employment. “Our approach combines cultural, social, and institutional factors through dialogue with all stakeholders,” Maniati said. The plan will detail goals, implementation measures, and representative projects aimed at further strengthening the presence of women in Greek shipping.

“The state’s role is to create a framework where inclusion is the norm, not the exception,” she added. NAT’s initiatives complement ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, shipowner associations, and seafarers’ unions, all working to make the maritime profession more attractive to both women and men in Greece.