A briefing meeting was arranged to present the findings of the 2015 Women Seafarers’ Health and Welfare Survey, and to prompt interactive discussion between stakeholders on how to address the issues raised.
The study has been a joint initiative of the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA), International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS)
This breifing was lead by Dr Tim Carter and speakers included where Dr Olivia Swift, Jacqueline Smith of the ITF, Dr Ilona Denisenko from the IMHA and Natalie Shaw representing the ship-owners’ perspective. Findings from the survey showed 55% of respondents feel health issues are work related, 40% of respondents had no access to a sanitary bin on – board and 17% of respondents experience sexual harassment on – board.
From these findings the next steps where to;
- Collaborate a report of with the analysis of results
- Briefing meeting with all stakeholders
- Action plan to address back pain; mental health; nutrition; gynecological issues; solution for sanitary waste