Monrovia-The Code of Practice for Women in the maritime security domain has been launched to seek the welfare and the advancement of women security in the maritime sector.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)[email protected]
The launch brought together women from different security entities together. It is sponsored by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
Air Commodore David A. Akron is the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC. Speaking during the event at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia on Thursday, May 9, 2024, he appreciates the leadership of the Liberia Maritime Authority for their efforts and resourcefulness in making the launch of the Code of Practice for Women in the maritime security domain a reality.
He stressed that the program forms part of a series of seven ceremonies in which a pioneering document concerning the welfare and advancement of women in the maritime domain will be launched in seven countries.
He named Cameroun, Congo-Brazzaville, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Senegal as countries where the program has been accepted.
UN Security Council Resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all peace and security efforts, he said.
“Today, we have extended the principles of 1325 into the maritime security domain by producing a set of guiding principles that should guide decision makers in the maritime domain to preserve and promote the welfare and advancement of women in the maritime domain especially in the Gulf of Guinea,” Mr. Akrong said.
He added: “Indeed, women in the maritime industry deserve career protection, preservation of the welfare and promotion of their interests.”
According to Mr. Akron, the maritime domain, especially the Gulf of Guinea, holds immense significance within the economic, social, and cultural framework of West and Central Africa.
This, he says, also serves as a realm for multifaceted challenges, encompassing piracy, illicit fishing, and ecological deterioration, intersecting with the broader concerns of gender parity, peace, and security.
“These challenges often impact coastal communities and diverse professions in the maritime security domain, disproportionately, yet the extent to which women and men contribute to the solutions to these problems is not consistently mirrored in policy implementation,” he said.
Mr. Akrong added: “In seeking to correct such imbalance in policy implementation, the KAIPTC through a consultative process, has drawn on the principles of 1325 to distil a set of guiding principles for promoting women in the maritime domain.”
Also, for her part, the Minister for National Defense Brig. Gen Geraldine Janet George (Rtd) speaking said working in a male dominated institution is hard for the male least to talk about female.
“Most of the time they classified females as the weaker vessel, people who cannot take decisions, they quickly cry and they label all kinds of stereotypes on us. Having this initiative is not a bad thing but the implementation -what are we going to do to have females on board,” Minister George asked.
She also calls for the promotion of females that are contributing immensely especially the ones who are serving their country and are in the security sector.
Adding up, the CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority John Coffey told the gathering that the launch of the Code of Practice for Women in the Maritime Security Domain is a significant milestone that marks a crucial step forward in promoting gender equality and empowering women within the maritime security sector.
“The Code of Practice stands as a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse maritime industry, where the invaluable contributions of women are recognized, respected, and celebrated. By setting forth guidelines and standards that support and uplift women in this field, we are not only enhancing the safety and security of our maritime environments but also fostering a culture of equality and opportunity for all,” Mr. Coffey said.
He added: “As we embark on this journey of progress and transformation, let us reaffirm our dedication to advancing the role of women in maritime security and ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities, recognition, and leadership positions. Together, let us work towards a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed in the maritime industry.”