The Seawomen’s Hub (SWH), a network of female maritime professionals committed to empowering young girls to pursue careers in the maritime industry, has held its maiden Maritime Career Outreach Programme in Accra.
The event, which attracted more than 200 girls from various junior and senior high schools across the capital, aimed to encourage them to explore opportunities within the maritime sector.
Held under the theme “She Can Sail: Exploring Careers at Sea,” the programme brought together experienced maritime professionals and institutions, including the Regional Maritime University (RMU), to inspire the next generation of Ghanaian seafarers.
Participating schools included St Mary’s Senior High School, Bishop Girls Basic School, Independence Avenue 1 Basic School, Accra Girls Senior High School and St John’s Grammar Senior High School.
The Guest of Honour, Georgina Jopap, an accomplished maritime professional with more than 45 years of experience, encouraged the students not to allow anyone to define their limits.
She urged them to consider careers in the maritime industry and pursue the necessary training at the Regional Maritime University.
“This industry needs skilled professionals such as engineers, navigators, scientists, lawyers, environmental experts, port managers and maritime security specialists,” she said.
Capt. Jopap advised the girls to remain determined and work hard to achieve their aspirations.
“Your dreams are valid. Your abilities are powerful, and your future is full of possibilities,” she stressed.
She added that young women can build successful and reputable careers at the highest levels of the maritime industry and commended the organisers for the initiative, noting that such programmes would inspire the next generation while contributing to the growth of Ghana’s maritime sector and the national economy.
A Marketing Assistant at the Regional Maritime University, Evelyn Korsah, also encouraged the students to consider enrolling at the university to begin their journey toward careers in the maritime field.
She engaged the students in interactive sessions on maritime education and the wide range of career opportunities available in the industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of Seawomen’s Hub, Esther Yayera Avorkliya, an alumna of RMU, said sharing real-life experiences with young people is key to inspiring them to pursue promising career paths.
She noted that seeing women succeed in the maritime industry could motivate young girls to follow similar paths and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to encouraging more Ghanaian girls to enter the sector.
Also speaking at the event, Gifty Adu-Gyamfi, a former RMU student and practising maritime professional, shared her personal journey in the industry and urged the students to remain confident in pursuing careers at sea.
“A career in the maritime industry is one of the best choices any young girl can make. Take advantage of the opportunities available, develop yourself and join the maritime industry,” she added.
