The Kandla Seafarers’ Welfare Association is proud to celebrate International Women in Maritime Day on May 18th, highlighting the significant contributions of women in the maritime industry. This day emphasises the crucial roles women play as seafarers, maritime professionals, and leaders.
International Women in Maritime Day aims to promote female recruitment, retention, and sustained employment in the maritime sector. It seeks to raise the women’s profile in maritime and support KSWA’s goals to make every woman’s contribution count.
On this occasion, Kandla Seafarers’ Welfare Association’s Assistant Manager (Media), Miss Juhi Dadlani, had the honour of interviewing Miss Deeksha Rajpurohit, the Assistant Traffic Manager at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla. Miss Rajpurohit, an ex-mariner who began her career as a Deck Officer, later served as a second mate before becoming an Assistant Traffic Manager at DPA-Kandla. She is the only female officer in the history of DPA’s Traffic Department.
The purpose of this interview was to highlight the dedication and hard work of women in the maritime sector, encouraging more young women to pursue careers in this field without hesitation. This aligns with KSWA’s mission to empower #भारतकीबेटियाँ (India’s daughters).
During the interview, Miss Juhi Dadlani asked, “What challenges did you face as a woman entering and establishing yourself in the maritime industry?” Miss Rajpurohit responded confidently, “Initially, there were many challenges. Onboard, out of 40 crew members, only one or two would be female, and often, I was the only woman present. Acceptance from colleagues took time, but through hard work and demonstrating my skills, I gradually earned my place. Being the only woman in such a male-dominated environment was a significant challenge, but it was overcome with perseverance and professionalism.”
When asked about the biggest advancements or changes in the maritime industry over the next decade, Miss Rajpurohit noted, “Over the past decade, we’ve seen significant advancements such as the shift from paper charts to electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), enhancing navigational accuracy and safety. The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also crucial in reducing the risk of accidents and collisions at sea. These technological advancements will continue to shape the future of the maritime industry.”
This achievement is a significant milestone for the Kandla Seafarers’ Welfare Association and a testament to women’s maritime contributions. It highlights India’s progress in integrating women into traditionally male-dominated sectors, contributing to the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). KSWA’s efforts reflect its commitment to facilitating international trade and supporting the “Make in India” initiative.
The Kandla Seafarers’ Welfare Association extends special thanks to Miss Deeksha Rajpurohit, ATM, DPA-Kandla, and all the women in the maritime fraternity who keep world trade moving forward. This recognition not only celebrates the achievements of current female mariners but also inspires the upcoming generation of young women passionate about the maritime industry.
