Benefits of Increasing Women's Participation in the Shipping Industry

Gender equality within the Blue Economy remains a critical yet often overlooked development area. Despite the indispensable contributions of women to this sector, they encounter substantial obstacles to both participation and career advancement, primarily due to entrenched gender-based inequalities. This paper highlights the significance of gender equality in the Blue Economy. It presents empirical findings from a survey conducted with 73 professionals in selected maritime organizations across the Republic of Bulgaria. The study offers valuable insights into the unique skills and distinct advantages that women bring to the shipping industry. These insights can significantly contribute to the sector's growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.