Improving gender diversity in shipping, one scholarship at a time
Diversity in all forms is important
We value diversity in all its forms and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our collective sum of individual differences, knowledge and experience is not only a part of our culture, but also allows us to better understand and meet customer needs. It also allows us to create a workplace environment where employees can perform to their fullest potential, which ultimately drives better financial performance. We remain committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and diversity. Inclusion and diversity are core pillars of business growth and central to our company’s identity.
Gender representation is a particular element of diversity that we support
The shipping industry has a disproportionate number of men, and it is important that we encourage more women to join the business. BW LPG and its subsidiary BW LPG India is commited to fostering a safe and equal workplace for women at sea and on shore, and to support a barrier-free working environment.
Improving gender diversity one scholarship at a time
In this regard, BW LPG India has since 2021 set aside resources to provide scholarships for female cadets. The selection criteria is simple – applicants for the scholarships must be accepted for any maritime courses at the Indian Maritime University (IMU), and come from financially under-priviledged backgrounds or whose parents have served in the Indian military. These scholarships do not come with bonds, and cadets upon graduation are free to seek employment within the industry. The IMU is headquartered in Chennai and has campuses in Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam
Since inception, approximately INR 7 million or USD 80,000 has been allocated to the program. From a modest start of nine recipients, the ambition is to disbuse scholarships to 50 deserving recipients in 2023, across all IMU campuses. The scholarships will help to defray costs for families, and also provide networks for graduates to join some of the top shipping and ship management companies.
No one should have their education limited due to a lack of household income. With these scholarships, female cadets can focus on their studies without worrying about finances or affordability of their education, lean on support from the company for internship and sailing opportunities, and take advantage of industry networks and network amongst peers. By being a receipient of scholarships, we also hope that these cadets will feel inspired and dedicated to a career in shipping, and support deserving cadets that come after them.
Read More:
- Visit our BW LPG India website here
- Read our Annual Report 2021.
- Read our Sustainability Report 2021.
Keywords: Diversity, gender representation, ESG, CSR, equity, scholarship, bursary, maritime, shipping
