The International Women Seafarers Foundation (IWSF) trust, was launched ton 3rd November 2017 at Mumbai by the Indian women seafarers with honorable DG Shipping as Chief Guest and in presence of stalwarts of the shipping industry. Dr Mrs Sujata Tolani (Owner Tolani Shipping Ltd), Capt Ashok Mohapatra (Director of Safety Council, IMO) and and Mr Pradeep Rawat (Chairman, National Shipping Board) graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

The IWSF visions to promote and support women seafarers in their sailing profession. The foundation aims to assist companies’ in bridging policy gaps for women seafarers on board and help government and institutions in promoting education and policies related to women at sea. It will also work to raise awareness in the society about women in seafaring profession and assist in conducting activities that will encourage women participation in shipping. While sharing her views with press, Ms Suneeti Bala, one of the three founding members said “Sailing women being negligible in number, have been affected by gaps in policies, procedures and general social understanding of co-existence in the confined working environment of ships. These aspects discourage aspiring women and shipping companies equally in improving female seafarer numbers over the years. In order to overcome these barriers, companies and individuals may be imparted guidance on multiple fronts by way of training, policy formulation, awareness camps, assistance and much more.

 

Launch Video Part 1

Launch Video Part 2

Launch Video Part 3

Launch Video Part 4

Launch Video Part 5