The “Day for Women in Maritime” was marked on Saturday in the Pacific region, but Friday Niue time – a day organized by the Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWIMA) implemented at the national level by the respective Pacific Island countries.
PacWIMA is a regional organization that supports Pacific women in maritime at the national level and identifies women development opportunities through its network.
The recognition, visibility and capacity building of Niue women in maritime raises the importance of gender equality, in line with sustainable development goal 5, and highlights the important contribution of women within the maritime sector.
Niue embraced the day with Department of Transport’s Maritime Division and Niue’s Fisheries Division organizing tours aboard Niue’s search and rescue boat at 3 morning time slots last Friday.
The invitation was extended to all women in both the public and non government organizations involved in Maritime.
The tours of up to 6 passengers took to Avatele, Namukulu and as far as Mutalau on 1 hour round trips where the women took photos and discussed topics related to the theme and their respective fields.
The next day, Maritime Manager Lynsey Talagi secured a majority female border clearance party as they boarded the visiting French navy ship Bougainville Saturday morning. The female officials represented the Niue Biosecurity Authority, Department of Health, Immigration Niue, and Niue Police.
Officials had the opportunity to meet the female personnel onboard the Bougainville.
Commander Jacques de Maisonneuve, commanding officer of the Bougainville, later hosted Niue officials for lunch to mark the special occasion.
Lysney was pleased with the turnout on both days and is looking forward to planning events for World Maritime Day on 27th September embracing the theme “Empowering Women in Maritime”.