Navigating Gendered Waters: The Role Of Asean Framework In Protecting And Promoting Women Seafarer'S Rights In The Maritime Industry

Abstract

Women seafarers are active agents of delivering economic pursuit to the ASEAN maritime industry. Despite their dynamic contribution, women seafarers still confront gender imbalance giving rise to an array of gender issues experienced during their seafaring career. Hence, this study explores the role of the ASEAN Framework in protecting and promoting women seafarer's rights in selected ASEAN countries-Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore through the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021–2025, which assesses the working conditions in the maritime industry as well as identifies the gender issues experienced by women seafarers in an inclusive, participatory, and consultative method.

In-depth interviews conducted with Philippine women seafarers shed light on eight prevalent forms of gender-based violence: gender stereotyping and prejudice, gender discrimination, racial and gender discrimination, verbal gender-based violence, bullying and disrespect, psychological and emotional harassment, victim-blaming, and sexual harassment in various forms—physical, verbal, and non-verbal. Meanwhile, Indonesia's women seafarers recount their struggles with discrimination, harassment, bullying, isolation, and a fixed mindset. Similarly, Singaporean women seafarers encounter gender-specific expectations, limitations, misconceptions, and stereotypes entrenched in the maritime industry.

This study revealed that the ASEAN frameworks address the gender issues experienced by women seafarers through the full realization and proper implementation of gender mainstreaming embodied with gender equality and women empowerment in the maritime industry. The presence of ASEAN frameworks empowers women seafarers to assert themselves against the barriers of gender issues and navigate their way toward decent working conditions in the shipping industry. Nine (9) existing ASEAN frameworks are found that cover the protection and promotion of migrant women workers' rights as they encompass a scope of guidelines, declarations, and blueprints to ensure the well-being, safety, and equal treatment of women seafarers within the ASEAN region. Further, the research also identifies areas in the ASEAN framework that require improvement to enhance working conditions which are attained through the women's experiences in the maritime industry.