Bahri highlighted the benefits of an inclusive workforce bringing to focus the under-representation of women in in the maritime sector at a major conference in London.

Highlighting its commitment to continue playing a role in promoting a diverse and inclusive maritime sector, Bahri participated in the 13th Annual Maritime HR Conference in London.

The company’s chief support officer Hisham Alkhaldi was invited as a guest speaker at the largest worldwide gathering of maritime HR professionals.

Held at Leonardo Royal Hotel in London last month, the annual event discussed key issues facing HR teams in the maritime industry and brought together regulators, industry-renowned speakers, business leaders, and nearly 200 delegates.

Speaking on the ‘Diversity and Inclusion in The Maritime Industry’ panel at the conference, Alkhaldi put a spotlight on the under-representation of women in the workplace across industries, particularly in the maritime sector. Highlighting that only 2 percent of seafarers worldwide are women and less than 1 percent occupy leadership roles in the industry, he said that it has become imperative for various stakeholders in the maritime industry to step up both concerted and individual efforts to address these challenges effectively and swiftly.

Alkhaldi commented: “As a result of constant and deliberate efforts to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of gender balance in the workplace, policymakers and businesses in the maritime industry increasingly identify equal opportunities as a top priority today. Promoting women’s participation at work is critical not only for accelerating economic growth and sustainable development but also driving stronger bottom-line results for businesses. Similarly, a diverse workforce will lead to higher productivity and customer loyalty, and catalyse innovation, leveraging the perspectives and experiences of employees of different nationalities, and ethnicities. As an employee-centric organisation, Bahri has incorporated diversity and inclusion in its human resources policies and processes.”