Impact
International Women
Seafarers Foundation
The International Women Seafarers Foundation is a Section 8 Company, a not-for-profit organization. The organization was founded in 2017 by three pioneering women seafarers of India: Capt. Radhika Menon, Ch. Engineer Suneeti Bala, and Ms. Sharvani Mishra. As the name suggests, IWSF works for the benefit of the women seafaring community around the world to bring about gender equality in the maritime profession. We currently have over 800 women seafarer members from India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Brazil and Oman and we are expanding with each passing day.
In order to achieve this prime goal, IWSF partners with administrators, maritime unions, ship owners, ship managers, and several maritime representative bodies to provide training, education, guidance, mentoring, policy, and execution support at various levels. Further, IWSF also conducts surveys and research to understand the effectiveness of current policies in providing a gender-neutral environment on board.
Women face numerous social challenges in their pursuit of a sailing career. Young girls, more often than not, when faced with unusual circumstances, are unable to take the right steps at the right time, leading to complications for peers and companies employing them. IWSF members strive every day to support all ladies who have chosen this challenging profession.
Adopt a Ship Program
Bridging the gap between seafarers & companies
Gender Sensitisation
Fostering inclusive maritime workplaces
Diversity & Inclusion
Advocating equitable representation
Mentoring & Support
Guiding the next generation of mariners
