Linton: Roles for women in maritime sector must be expanded

President of Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Barbados Chapter, Kemi Linton, says the roles for women in the maritime sector must be expanded.

Linton, who is an International Trade and Maritime Specialist with more than a decade of experience in the areas of business development, port management, supply chain and logistics, said though she worked in the maritime industry for some time, the lack of women being leaders in important positions within the sector had become a worrying trend.

“In November 2020, I first reached out to WiMAC after recognizing that there were a number of gaps to be filled as it relates to women in leadership generally, but particularly in the maritime sector,” she said. 

“This led to my spearheading the setting up of WiMAC Barbados Chapter, with the support of an outstanding group of women, some of [whom] form part of our Executive Committee.”

Linton was speaking during the launch for the local arm of WiMAC at the Radisson Aquatica Resort.

One of key activities on the table for the local chapter of WiMAC from 2022 into 2023 will be their Girls in Blue Programme, which aims to assist girls at the primary and secondary school levels.

“In the coming weeks, we commit to engaging with the Ministry responsible for education and the various training institutions in building out the necessary framework and programmes to fully realize this objective.”

Outside of local projects, Linton said the organization was committed to continue collaborative efforts with regional and international bodies, as a holistic approach will be needed if true progress is to be seen in creating more opportunities for women in the maritime economy. (SB)