CIFAL Philippines

The Philippine maritime industry has long been male-dominated, despite the country’s strong seafaring heritage and global reputation as a major supplier of maritime labor. In recent decades, however, the growing push for gender equality and women’s empowerment has led to the gradual feminization of the industry, marked by the increasing participation of Filipina seafarers in both domestic and international shipping.

This data snapshot examines the extent and nature of Filipinas’ participation in the maritime sector by addressing the following questions: How many Filipinas are employed in local and international maritime industries? What shipboard roles do they commonly occupy? To what extent do opportunities exist for women to assume senior or command positions? What challenges do Filipina seafarers encounter on board, particularly in a male-dominated work environment?

The snapshot highlights recent trends by presenting data on the profile of Filipina seafarers, their occupational distribution, certification and registration status, shipboard positions, manning agency affiliations, and key challenges affecting women’s entry, retention, and advancement in maritime work. By emphasizing the contribution of Filipina seafarers to maritime employment and logistics, the report also draws policy-relevant insights and recommendations toward promoting sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive labor migration in the Philippine maritime industry.

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