(NEWS) Staff and Students of WMU united to say no to violence against women

December

2014

Staff and Students of WMU united to say no to violence against women

Around fifty staff and students of WMU gathered on Friday November 28th wearing anything from orange coats and scarves to post-it notes to support the UN Women’s “Unite to End Violence against Women” campaign.

The initiative, aptly named “Orange our neighbourhood” was launched by the WMUWA (WMU Women’s Association).

The UN Women’s special campaign which runs from November 25th to December 10th, 2014. Read more here:
http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/end-violence-against-women

This campaign is relevant to the objectives of the WMUWA because there are many female seafarers undergoing humiliating abuse from their male counterparts simply because there is a mindset in the industry that females do not belong out at sea. The most recent incident was the rape and murder of the female South African cadet, who was carrying out her duties upon m/v Safmarine Kariba.

"It is necessary for us to highlight these incidents and to use them as catalysts for change in the mindset of the industry" says Janelle Meloney, second officer on LPG tankers and president of WMUWA.

"I am sure empowering women will lead to a brighter future for the maritime industry. WMUWA does contribute to it” (WMU Student Maki Tominaga)

"The fact that women in the maritime field are still marginalized calls for more aggressive measures to ensure greater women participation in various maritime activities. The establishment of bodies such as the WMUWA represent a contribution on the way to this transformation" (WMU Student Fatima Angeles)

" The challenges faced by women in the world are only alleviated by the amount of incessant commitment, support and progression of their welfare" (WMU Student Christine Diciano)

"It’s no secret that the maritime industry is very complex. As it is no secret that women are seeking to be empowered and respected.” (WMU Student Sterlene Taffya Alleyne, WMUWA Secretary)

"I expect it will take a long time to bring about real participation of woman in the maritime sector" (WMU Student Juma Ahmed Ali)

Thanks to the support from Ms. Pamela Tansey, Senior Deputy Director of the IMO Technical Co-Operation Division, the WMUWA was able to receive the first sponsorship of a female Vietnamese student, Qyunh Thang Nguyen, in 2014. Ms Qyunh Thang Nguyen is presently serving as an executive member in the current committee.

The WMUWA has been actively engaging with the local community and has recently completed a successful charity drive in collaboration with Skane Stadmission last month.

For updates on WMUWA activities and future plans, please visit their facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pages/WMU-Womens-Association/1433150183591649?fref=ts

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