Celebrating the Women of CMR on International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the achievements of women across the world. We are thrilled to spotlight some of the many females that play important roles in Clyde Marine Recruitment.

The total percentage of female seafarers working in the maritime industry is just 2% according to figures released by the International Maritime Organization. This equates to approximately 24,000 women seafarers out of a total global workforce of 1.5 million. (Diversity in the Martime Industry, n.d.)  The CMR team smashes that figure out the water with a whopping 58.5% of females making up the workforce across each office.  Many of them occupying senior positions within the company.

Angela Brady – UK, Director, joined the company as a Payroll Administrator in 2004 and successfully moved through the ranks. Over the past 17 years, Angela has proven to be an integral member of CMR’s management team being responsible for finances, payroll, budget forecasting and staff management.  Angela was appointed as CMR Director in 2011.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It represents the progress made and the progress that is still to be made for women across all industries regarding pay and equal opportunities.

Why do you think it is important to observe International Women’s Day?

It gives us an opportunity to recognise and honour the women who were at and are currently at the front line of fighting for gender equality.

How did you get into the Maritime industry? 

I joined CMR in 2004 as the payroll administrator after doing similar roles in different companies and worked my way up to Director in 2011.  It wasn’t a conscious decision to work in maritime, but I have grown to love it over the years. 

What barriers do you think there are for women in the Maritime Industry?

The Maritime industry IS male dominated, and while I have been fortunate to not face any barriers, I do know it happens especially on board and that women don’t progress in their offshore career at the same rate as men.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? 

I first faced barriers as a Football coach when my children were younger.  I worked hard to get my coaching qualifications and started my own team, but it wasn’t without issue, I was never seen as equal to my fellow male coaches and colleagues. In my early career before my time at CMR, I experienced contempt from senior male peers but as I have grown professionally, I have experienced less and less prejudice and have become better equipped to deal with any challenges I am faced with.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important? 

A diverse workplace brings a broader range of skills, experiences, perspectives, and ideas within a workplace.  This contributes to increased productivity and a happier team overall.

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you, who was she and how did she inspire you? 

Inspirational Female has to be my mother. She has taught me to be brave and conquer my fears. The challenges we face day to day in the world help us grow and make us stronger

Tell us about your greatest achievement, it can be work or personal. 

Becoming Director at CMR and subsequently the most senior female member of staff has been a great achievement.  I am also the first female chairperson the Scottish Nautical Welfare society has ever had on their board which is a great and progressive achievement.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers? 

 Remember your worth, be heard, and have confidence.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t forget we all fail sometimes. It’s just part of progression and plays a part in propelling you forward in the world.

Caroline McMillan – UK, HR & QA Manager joined CMR in 2010, becoming CIPD qualified in 2011 and became Chartered in 2012.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It means a lot, particularly against the recent media backdrop. Women are twice as likely to be victims of sexual abuse; the gender pay gap persists globally; women still aren’t represented in equal proportions in politics or across boardrooms at senior level. It is important for women to have a platform to have our passions and voices heard, to reclaim our rights and be recognised in society as equal.

Why do you think it is important to observe International Women’s Day?

In a fast-paced world, it is important to pause to remember and appreciate the women of our past who have shaped our world we live in today – influencing our cultures, social values and politics. It reminds us how far women have come, fought to be recognised and respected; it also reminds us how much further we must go.

 How did you get into the Maritime industry?

Initially commencing in the HR department of The Clyde Group in 2008, I made an internal move to work in Clyde Marine Recruitment to support the marine HR function. My role then adapted to HR & QA Manager at the time of our demerger in 2011.

What barriers do you think there are for women in the Maritime Industry?

Women continue to face barriers in all industries. Despite changes to legislations enabling genders to share caring roles, statistics show women continue to be the unpaid primary care givers for family and children. Such responsibilities can cause delays in career progression for women which can be escalated for those in an offshore, male dominated, industry which requires prolonged periods away from home.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

I have benefited from a forward-thinking employer with flexible working policies in place which have enabled me to enjoy my career alongside family commitments.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

A diverse workforce which better represents our society creates an inclusive culture. A workplace that can draw on a wider range of cultures, backgrounds, experiences etc is far more likely to access a wider range of talent and meet clients’ needs.  It’s a no-brainer!

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you. Who was she and how did she inspire you?

Emmeline Pankhurst will always inspire me. Her determination to stand up for women’s rights and push for political change has certainly shaped and benefited all women today. Women such as Karen Brady – who has had enormous success in a male dominated industry (despite having to overcome significant amounts of sexism along the way!) is also a great inspiration for modern working women.

Tell us about your greatest achievement, it can be work or personal.

Becoming Chartered was a great achievement, as well as having a successful career alongside having a family.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Always chase your dream!

Inta Galbalina, – Latvia, has been with the company since 2004 working in various roles and is now the Office Manager in the Latvian office managing a team of staff as well as being involved in the day-to-day recruitment and crewing operations.

How did you get into the Maritime industry?

I started to work at the company in 2004, a long time ago, with absolutely no knowledge about the Maritime Industry.  I started with Clyde Marine Recruitment as the receptionist and very quickly, I started to learn more and more about the industry and realised, I really did love it.

What barriers do you think there are for women in the Maritime Industry?

It can be hard as historically this industry is very male dominant; it definitely needs strong woman to cope with this male heavy environment both onboard and onshore.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?

Luckily for me, I haven’t faced any of these barriers.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

Because diversity brings a greater variety of views on all things offshore and onshore related.

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you, who was she and how did she inspire you? There are so many women who inspire in different ways, I can’t possibly give one. All the women close to me personally and professionally are special.

Tell us about your greatest achievement, it can be work or personal.

My greatest work achievement has been to grow and develop as the company grows. And my ability to adjust and be flexible to change.

My personal achievement is my kids, they are the joy of my life.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Believe in yourself, even in difficult times, maintain confidence that you can achieve all what you want.

Zanda Berzina – Latvia, a Recruitment Consultant and Travel Administrator has been with the company since 2010 successfully evolving her job as the business evolves.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s a day when I feel appreciated and glad that I can live and do whatever I want in life as a woman.

Why do you think it is important to observe International Women’s Day?

It’s a great way to capture society’s attention with regards to the problems faced by women in many parts of the world – not having the same rights, income or attitude as men do.

How did you get into the Maritime industry?

I got into maritime industry accidentally, I was looking for a new job and the CMR’s Riga office was looking for a new employee. 12 years later, here we are!

What barriers do you think there are for women in the Maritime Industry?

I have not experienced any barriers, but I am office based, however I know that some females offshore don’t share the same experience as me.  They often feel like they are not taken as seriously as their male colleagues, especially in more technical positions and trying to move up the ranks. I personally don’t know any female captains, which, considering how long I have worked in the industry is disappointing.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

Diversity in the workplace provides varied experiences and mindsets.

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you, who was she and how did she inspire you?

There isn’t any one specific woman who has inspired me; however, I am surrounded by inspirational women from my friends to work colleagues who thrive on new challenges and growing themselves personally and professionally. They take the best from both work and play and inspire me to do the same.

Tell us about your greatest achievement, it can be work or personal.

I believe my greatest achievements are yet to come, however I am incredibly proud to have achieved a master’s degree.  I am proud to have played a part in growing the Latvian’s office travel department from a few bookings a week to a key component of company operations.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Less (over)thinking, more doing, and by the end of the day you’ll get where you have to be!

Jen Fisher – UK, Marketing Coordinator, UK has been with Clyde Marine Recruitment since 2018 however in her previous position at an Agency, CMR was their client so her history with the company goes way beyond the 4 years as their inhouse marketing person.

How did you get into the Maritime industry? 

I have worked in Marketing for a number of years in live music, nightclubs and fashion before working for an agency where I became familiar with the industry while working on a specific project and somewhere along the lines, I became a part of the team at CMR!

What barriers do you think there are for women in the Maritime Industry?

Historically the Maritime industry has been male dominated, even now the percentage of females within the industry is only estimated to be around 2%. This lack of diversity causes many barriers, from the perception of women in the industry to the accessibility of facilities, equipment and training.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? 

I haven’t had any direct barriers to my career that I am aware of however in previous employments I have been paid less than a male counterpart, I’ve also experienced sexual harassment and condescension. 

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important? 

Our individual experiences in work and life are so varied, a diverse team can bring new perspectives to the table and deliver well thought out projects. 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you.. who was she and how did she inspire you? 

Dolly Parton is my go to inspirational woman. She’s a strong feminist role model, she’s worked hard to create a successful career, amassed a large fortune and is a huge philanthropist – the imagination library is now international and send a book a month to any child enrolled till their first year at school, she’s donated money to people who lost their homes in wildfires, developed foundations to further disadvantaged children’s’ education, and partially funded the covid vaccine. Throughout her career she’s faced many barriers because she’s a woman, but as Dolly says, “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb… and I also know that I’m not blonde.” 

Tell us about your greatest achievement, it can be work or personal. 

On a personal level I have created a charity project called Bing Bong Mail raising money for Cancer Support Scotland which uses humour to tackle some difficult topics. I sell irreverent greeting cards and donate the profits to the charity; in the last 10 months I’ve been able to donate £1000 and hope to donate many more thousands in the future. 

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers? 

I’m going to use another Dolly quote “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Being willing to learn, adjust and adapt is what makes us strong. Lift each other up as you progress in your career, there’s room for all of us. 

The industry is host to so many influential and inspiring women in maritime.  We have highlighted just some of these amazing ladies with a link to their work or more information about them.

Captain Jessica Tyson is an experienced Marine Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the maritime industry. Skilled in Ship Management, GMDSS, Maritime Law, Maritime Operations, and Maritime Safety. You can read abut Jessica and her career highlights here.

Nicola Good is a Journalist and Global Head of Brand & External Relations Marine & Offshore at Lloyd’s Register, UK.  She is an experienced communicator with a demonstrated history of working in the maritime industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Editing, Journalism, Copy Editing, and Magazines.  You can find out more ab out Nicola by listening to this podcast.

Irene Rosberg is a Programme Director Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics (The Blue MBA), Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and President of WISTA Denmark.  You can read a great article about Irene here.

Natasha Brown is in Media and Communications at The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) London, United Kingdom where she is acting Head of Public Information Services. Read a great article Natasha penned about Routing for Whales here.

Monika Lemajic is Senior Manager for Maritime Assets in New South Wales.  You can read more about Monika here.

Katy Ware, Director of Maritime Safety & Standards, Directorate of Maritime Safety & Standards, MCA, UK. Find out more about Katy here.

If you want more, here is the top 100 women in shipping list for 2021 and we can’t wait to see some new faces when 2022s list is published.

If you wish to nominate an inspirational woman in Maritime, email us at marketing@clyderecruit.com so we can spotlight your nominee across our socials.