The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways recently set afloat an all-women crew on board MT Swarna Krishna, a vessel from the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). This event marks a remarkable moment in maritime history as it’s the first-ever cargo ship sailed entirely by women officers. The initiative is part of SCI’s Diamond Jubilee festivities and coincides with the International Women’s Day celebration on the 8th of March.
About Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
Established on 2nd October 1961, SCI came into being following the union of Eastern Shipping Corporation and Western Shipping Corporation. Later, two more firms—Jayanti Shipping Company and Mogul Lines Limited—merged with SCI in 1973 and 1986, respectively. Operating as a Public Sector Enterprise of the Government of India, SCI manages vessels that service both national and international lines. The company is headquartered in Mumbai and was awarded the prestigious “Navratna” status by the Indian Government in 2008.
In November 2019, the Union Cabinet gave ‘in-principle’ approval for the strategic disinvestment of Government of India’s 63.75% shareholding in SCI, alongside the transfer of management control to a strategic buyer.
International Women’s Day and Its Significance
International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8th March, is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about gender parity, advocating for accelerated women’s equality, and fundraising for women-focused charities. This tradition of celebrating women began in 1911 thanks to Clara Zetkin, a German activist. It was moved to the 8th of March in 1913 and has remained so ever since. The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day in 1975, and later in December 1977, the General Assembly declared this day a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
For 2021, the United Nations has themed the day “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world.” However, some women’s groups prefer the theme “Choose to challenge” as they believe the world only recognizes these issues when challenged.
Safeguards for Women in India
India guarantees women’s rights in its constitution through Article 14, which provides for equality, and Article 15(1) prohibits discrimination by the State on gender basis. Further, Article 15(3) allows the State to make special provisions in favour of women. The constitution also imposes upon citizens a duty through Articles 51 (A)(e) to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
In addition to constitutional safeguards, there are legislative frameworks such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, all designed to safeguard the rights and dignity of women. There are also various schemes such as the Women Technology Park and Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI).
World Conferences on Women
The United Nations has so far organised four world conferences on women, these took place in Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, Nairobi in 1985, and Beijing in 1995. The 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing was a critical turning point in global attention towards gender equality and empowerment of women. The outcome of the conference, the Beijing Declaration, is considered the key global policy document on gender equality and sets strategic objectives for the advancement of women in twelve critical areas of concern.
Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) proposed a Temporary Basic Income (TBI) for poor women in developing countries to help them deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and alleviate their economic pressures.