Gender mainstreaming practices in METIs: Some case studies

Abstract

The existing gender imbalance, discrimination and difficulties that female students face in Maritime Education and Training (MET) constitutes a widespread concern. To address this situation, Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs) have turned to gender mainstreaming looking for strategies and practices that may bring about possible solutions. This paper reviewed existing literature to identify specific case studies on in-depth gender mainstreaming actions undertaken in different METIs. Seven case studies were selected to illustrate specific interventions and practices to mainstream gender and their possible applicability and transferability across institutions. The results of the analysis show that the interventions presented combine different strategies and approaches, but no standard procedure to mainstream gender. However, most proposals describe some common or overlapping practices like the importance of networking and mentoring programmes, considering female students’ expectations and motivations for enrolling in MET, rethinking recruitment and, most importantly, reviewing the maritime curriculum incorporating more gender-inclusive practices. Additionally, most of the interventions analysed reveal benefits for female students and, frequently, also for all students. Hence, most case studies agree to promote the development of gender strategic plans for METIs. In sum, such practices should be extended and transferred across METIs for fostering more inclusive MET environments.

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