The Seawomen’s Hub (SWH), a network of female maritime professionals dedicated to empowering young girls to explore careers in the maritime industry, held its first-ever Maritime Career Outreach Programme in Accra.
The event, attended by over 200 students from junior and senior high schools across the city, aimed to encourage young girls to consider the wide-ranging opportunities within the maritime sector.
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, Captain Georgina Jopap, a seasoned maritime professional with more than 45 years of experience, urged the students not to let anyone define their limits. She encouraged them to explore maritime careers and pursue training at RMU.
“This industry needs skilled professionals—engineers, navigators, scientists, lawyers, environmental experts, port managers, and maritime security specialists,” she said. “Your dreams are valid. Your abilities are powerful, and your future is full of possibilities.”
Captain Jopap highlighted that young women can build successful, reputable careers at the highest levels of the maritime industry. She also commended Seawomen’s Hub for organising the programme, noting that initiatives like this not only inspire the next generation but also contribute to the growth of Ghana’s maritime sector and national economy.
Ms Evelyn Korsah, Marketing Assistant at RMU, encouraged students to consider enrolling at the university to kickstart their journey toward maritime careers. She led interactive sessions highlighting the breadth of educational and professional opportunities within the sector.
The CEO of Seawomen’s Hub, Esther Yayera Avorkliya, an RMU alumna and rising maritime professional, emphasised the importance of sharing real-life experiences with young people. She said that seeing women succeed in maritime careers motivates girls to pursue similar paths and reaffirmed SWH’s commitment to supporting more Ghanaian girls to enter the industry.
Also addressing the students, Senior Officer Gifty Adu-Gyamfi, a former RMU student and practising maritime professional, shared her personal journey and encouraged 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 advised.