Centre unveiled the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS), a policy initiative of the Government of India to create a future ready gender equitable maritime workforce with the ultimate aim to increase participation of women in the maritime sector. The initiative was launched at the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime celebrations in Mumbai today, with a clear message of inclusivity, transformation and sustainability of the maritime sector.

The SMS policy aims to build a future where women’s participation is integral to all maritime operations; i.e., from the docks to decision making boards. In order to bridge the gender gap in both seafaring and shore based roles, this policy provides a structured road map for enhanced participation by women while addressing safety, leadership and retention of women in the Indian maritime sector. 

This programme is also aligned with Government’s DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) objective. Major scope of the policy would entail planning & strategy, training & development, research & development, governance & compliance, communications, and community outreach. It aims to secure objectives like empowerment & leadership, inclusivity & equal opportunity, safety & well-being, and skill development & training for women in maritime sector. 

As the Chief Guest at the event, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal underscored the importance of empowering women to drive growth and resilience across the maritime ecosystem. Sonowal also interacted with a group of almost 100 women seafarers at the event. 

Held under the theme “Women in Maritime: Leading Transformation and Sustainability,” the event was organized by the Directorate General of Shipping, in collaboration with “Sagar Mein Samman” (SMS), Maritime Union of India, National Maritime Day Committee. The inaugural session saw participation from senior government officials, port authorities, maritime professionals, academics, and international bodies. Key highlights included a panel discussion on leadership and equity, and a felicitation ceremony recognising women achievers in the maritime domain. The celebration reinforces India’s commitment to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) mission for gender inclusion and aligns with the broader vision of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).