Celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime earlier this month, a Cook Islander highlighted the vast potential and opportunities for local women to excel and lead in the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry.

The annual Women in Maritime breakfast event, held on May 18 at The Islander Hotel, featured five special guests who shared their inspirational stories to encourage women to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

Tiare Alice Story, one of the guest speakers, passionately encouraged, motivated and inspired young Cook Islands women to consider roles in this field.

In her speech, she highlighted her commitment to breaking barriers and offering opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Story began her maritime journey with Maritime Cook Islands, where she is now the head of seafarer training and certification. She leads a team dedicated to developing and empowering Maritime Cook Islands seafarers.

Her family had always had a deep connection with the sea and a passion for the many opportunities it offered. She grew to love and share that same connection.

“As a woman who was raised here on our beautiful island, surrounded by our ocean that provides for us, sustains and connects us to our family and friends across the world, is it that connection that had brought us here today,” says Story.

“I stand before you not only as a maritime professional but as someone who wishes to see more women in the industry.”

Sharing inspiring experiences that led to her current position at Maritime Cook Islands, she says the organisation plays a significant role in opening and promoting various positions and spaces for women in the industry.

Along her journey, she encountered challenges, especially in an industry dominated by men. However, these challenges also provided experiences and opportunities that revealed the significant potential of women.

Story currently works with maritime training institutions that deliver courses for seafarers, providing entry points for people interested in seafaring careers.

“I have had the privilege of building a team of bright, capable individuals, most of whom are young Cook Islander women who have been raised by our islands and our communities,” she shares.

“Across MCI (Maritime Cook Islands) women make up the majority of our workforce, which is something we are incredibly proud of.”

While encouraging women to see the potential of joining Maritime Cook Islands, she also stated the importance of women in the maritime sector.

“Globally, according to the 2021 IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime survey, women only make up 29 per cent of the overall general maritime workforce,” she shares.

“At MCI (Maritime Cook Islands), our statistics show that we currently have fewer than 20 women seafarers who are serving in officer roles amongst our Cook Islands flag vessels globally.”

According to Story, these statistics highlight both the progress made and challenges that still exist in achieving gender diversity within the maritime sector.

“As the maritime industry evolves, new roles are emerging, and these areas are wide open for women to step in, lead and make changes,” she says.

“There truly is an ocean of opportunities for women in maritime, especially when we uplift and support one another.

“To all the women who may be wondering if there’s a place for you in this industry, there absolutely is. You are needed here.”

“Ocean of opportunities for women in Maritime” was the theme of this year’s maritime breakfast to mark the International Day for Women in Maritime.