Women Working at Sea Formed an Association
For the first time, Turkish women working at sea have come together under the roof of an association. The Association of Female Captains, Engineers, and Seafarers was established on International Women's Day, March 8.
An important step has been taken to enhance solidarity among women working in the maritime sector. The Association of Female Captains, Engineers, and Seafarers was established on International Women's Day, March 8, in Tuzla, Istanbul.
The association was founded with a wide participation, ranging from seafarers working on city lines to captains and engineers traveling to international ports. It is the first association in Turkey founded by women working at sea in the maritime industry.
The association aims to combat the challenges faced by women working at sea, address issues such as harassment and bullying, and increase women's participation in the workforce, ultimately ensuring that more women are represented in the sector. Various projects and events are planned to create a safer working environment.
Captain Esra Ulutürk, the founding president, noted that the use of the term "Seafarer" instead of "Seaman" in international maritime language reflects the increasing role of women in the sector. She emphasized that women have successfully contributed in all areas, from solving problems in the engine room to steering the ship on the bridge. Ulutürk explained that the association was established to showcase the strength of Turkish women sailors and to strengthen the spirit of solidarity.
The association aims to amplify the voices of women working at sea and support them in having more influence in their careers. In the long term, it seeks to become a civil society organization that will reduce inequalities in the maritime sector and advocate for the rights of female workers.
