Promoting Inclusivity in the Maritime Sector
In a significant move to foster inclusivity within the maritime sector, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and Ekanem Adegbite, Chairperson of the Health Advocacy Committee at the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), have urged young girls to consider careers in the maritime industry.
This call to action was made during a strategic summit organized by UNAN in Lagos, marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child. The event aimed to highlight the potential of the maritime sector as a promising field for women in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
Encouraging Women to Pursue Maritime Careers
Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite emphasized that women should not shy away from roles traditionally dominated by men, such as shipping, seafaring, and marine engineering. She stated:
“In the maritime sector, women shouldn’t run from anything. Leadership is not just a title, it’s a way of life and an opportunity to encourage others. There are prospects in this maritime field, both onshore and offshore. Once there is adequate protection and safety, which we now see more clearly in Nigeria, young girls should seize the opportunity and make their mark.”
She further noted that the Lagos State Government remains committed to empowering and educating all individuals, ensuring that girls have equal access to opportunities across various professions. Lagos continues to provide a foundation that enables every child, regardless of gender, to dream big and thrive in any chosen sector, including the maritime industry.
Addressing Gender Disparities in STEM Fields
Ekanem Adegbite highlighted the urgent need to increase the participation of Nigerian girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, including emerging opportunities in the maritime industry. She pointed out that many young girls are often steered toward arts-based vocations, leading to underrepresentation in science and technical fields that shape the modern economy.
Adegbite explained that UNAN’s focus is on empowering girls through practical initiatives like coding classes and STEM education programs. These efforts aim to inspire future engineers, scientists, and technologists.
“These interventions are designed to bridge the gender gap in technical disciplines and prepare girls to contribute meaningfully to sectors like maritime logistics, digital innovation, and blue economy development,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of breaking gender stereotypes to position girls for leadership in these fields. Adegbite added:
“We want girls who aspire to become engineers, mathematicians, and scientists to see a place for themselves in industries like maritime, which are often male-dominated. Through coding and digital literacy, we are nurturing curiosity and innovation among young girls who will drive Nigeria’s future competitiveness.”
Call for Collaboration and Investment
Adegbite called for stronger collaboration among the United Nations system, private sector, and government agencies to invest in tools and partnerships that enable girls to learn and lead. She emphasized the importance of collective effort:
“We can’t do it alone. Whether it is through donations of laptops for coding classes or amplifying our initiatives, every contribution counts. The girls of today must be equipped to thrive in the STEM-driven and maritime-linked economies of tomorrow.”
The Significance of the International Day of the Girl Child
The International Day of the Girl Child, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 through Resolution 66/170, serves as a global observance to highlight and address the challenges faced by girls worldwide while promoting their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
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