The Commonwealth has launched a new toolkit to promote gender-responsive practices in ocean-related occupations.

Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors is a guide for policymakers, organisations, and individuals to help promote inclusion and unlock the full potential of sustainable blue economies.

The guide was launched during the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting in Cyprus. It examines the key ocean-related industries where significant gender disparities exist, including marine conservation and restoration, ocean science, fisheries, maritime transportation, and tourism.

In addition, the toolkit offers recommendations on how Commonwealth governments can mainstream gender through ocean policies, advocacy and science.

Credit: The Commonwealth

The toolkit was created by the Commonwealth Blue Charter Programme and the Gender section of the Secretariat.

Fostering awareness

Lead author Nafesha Richardson, Ocean Gender Outreach Assistant at the Commonwealth said:

“By navigating the existing inequalities, we can better understand what actions are needed to ensure ocean-related work becomes more inclusive for women, gender minorities and marginalised communities. This is crucial if we are to build robust and sustainable blue economies.”

As written in the press release, gender disparities are exemplified by lack of access to resources and decision-making roles, the inability to participate at the highest-level of marine activities, unfair remuneration and limited opportunities for recognition. The toolkit explains how this is experienced by a range of industry workers.

It offers recommendations including mandatory gender trainings to foster awareness and commitment to gender equality principles, enhanced leadership representation of underrepresented women in influential climate decision-making forums, promoting STEM education for women and girls to cultivate future leaders in ocean sectors and developing fairer job descriptions and promotion requirements considering women’s caregiving responsibilities.

Read Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors here.