Betül Karagedik
Galatasaray University, Istanbul, Turkey
The long-standing perception of the sea as a space “belonging” to men has influenced maritime industries and resulted in gender-based discrimination. The event, held at the World Maritime University from May 19 to 21, focused on the issue of gender inequality in the blue economy, which includes various sectors such as energy, shipping, fisheries and transportation. A core principle of the Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea affirms that “all persons at sea, without any distinction, are entitled to their human rights.”1 According to this, gender-based discrimination, which is a critical and often overlooked issue, should be dealt with as a human rights violation.
There is increasing evidence that women’s rights are frequently violated in the blue economy. Female employment levels remain low, and women in these sectors often face glass ceilings. Despite performing the same work as their male counterparts, they are paid less. Furthermore, the challenges extend beyond wage disparity. In certain areas, such as fisheries, women are also subjected to sexual harassment and exploitation, including inhumane practices like “fish for sex.”2 These facts demonstrate that gender inequality at sea is both a significant and urgent issue, and that necessary measures must be taken without delay.
According to international human rights law, all forms of discrimination are prohibited, regardless of the grounds. Under their human rights obligations, states are required to take measures to prevent gender-based discrimination at sea and to ensure that affected individuals have access to effective remedies. It is also widely recognized that women and girls are disproportionately and uniquely affected by business-related human rights abuses.3 Therefore, business enterprises operating in the blue economy should avoid violating women’s rights and address any adverse human rights impacts with which they are involved. These enterprises should implement gender-responsive human rights due diligence in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.4
Returning to the event, the three-day program in Malmö brought together experts from around the world to discuss various aspects of gender inequality. The agenda included several sessions, each focusing on a different dimension of the issue. I had the opportunity to attend engaging talks and participate in conversations that introduced new ideas. Another important feature of the event was the encouragement of active participation. An abstract book was published prior to the event, and the case studies it contained served as a useful resource for exploring different perspectives on gender and the blue economy. Through interactive workshops, participants also worked in teams to share ideas and debate gender inequality with the aim of finding solutions.
In conclusion, this impactful event addressed gender-based discrimination, a pressing human rights issue at sea, by means of rich dialogues involving diverse perspectives from around the world. The clear message of the event was that sustainable development in the blue economy can only be achieved through gender equality.
This blog is based upon work of COST Action CA23103 – Life, Liberty and Health: Ensuring Universal Protection of Human Rights at Sea (BlueRights), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
1 Human Rights at Sea. (2022). Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea. Retrieved from https://www.humanrightsatsea.org/sites/default/files/media-files/2022-02/GDHRAS_Jan_2022_Final_online_version_sp%20%281%29.pdf.
2 Becker-Weinberg, V. (2019). Human Trafficking & IUUF: Legal and Gender Implications. In I. Papanicolopulu (Ed.), Gender and the Law of the Sea (pp. 229-260). Brill.
3 Danish Institute For Human Rights. Gender in business and human rights. Retrieved from https://www.humanrights.dk/projects/gender-business-human-rights.
4 Bourke Martignoni, J.; Umlas E. (2018). Gender Responsive Due Diligence for Business Actors Human Rights-Based Approaches. The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Retrieved from https://repository.graduateinstitute.ch/record/296673?_gl=1*1tiqv7c*_gcl_au*NDA1OTc1MjI5LjE3NDk0ODc3NTE.&_ga=2.170617062.736964993.1749487751-1681070698.1749487751&v=pdf.