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On the following pages is a reproduction of the contents of a Gender Equity brochure promoting maritime careers for PNG women

A time of change brings opportunities

There is a growing climate of change in Papua New Guinea today. Across the land, the women of Papua New Guinea are beginning to redefine their roles, both at home and in the work force. It is time to change, they say, as they increasingly assert their right to be men's equal partners in nation building and in preparing a secure future for their children. 'Tingim pikinini', the women declare. Think of the children.

Women have long held traditional roles in PNG society, but this is changing. An increasing number of women are venturing into jobs traditionally held by men, working

side by side with them, and showing them, as well as their families and communities, what women can achieve when given the chance.

In the strongly male-dominated area of shipping, these changes are happening as well. A new program is underway to encourage more women to work in this area, either on ships or on shore, through improved training and education. The initiative stems from the PNG Maritime College Institutional Strengthening Project which is a joint project of the Australian Agency of International Development (AusAID) and the Papua New Guinea Government.

Your opportunity for a career in shipping

Listed below are links to various role model women in the maritime industry

Helen Rea - Manager, Delta Foods

Lydia Wartoro - Officer, PNG Internal Revenue Commission

Margaret Loko - Former Company Secretary, Gulf Seafoods

Emma Kulbob - Dive Master, The Dive Centre

Viti Whippy - Owner, Gurrawa Ferry Service
                     President, Fiji Ship Owners Assn.

Capt. Liz Datsun - Marine Pilot, Queensland Transport Department

Ruby Zarriga - Principal Planner, Gender and Development

What are the new opportunities open to PNG women?

Since independence, our country has attained a high standard of merchant shipping, port facilities and training. With one third of our population living around the coast and a further third living on islands, the maritime industry is vital to PNG's prosperity.

The industry employs about three thousand people in careers as diverse as maritime engineers, sea going officers, customs officers, managerial staff and lawyers. There are many opportunities available in the maritime industry.

The two broad career paths available to PNG women are:

1. Sea going, involving training as:

• a Deck Officer in charge of ship navigation.
• an Engineering Officer responsible for maintaining the vessel's machinery.

Maritime trainees not only spend time at sea, they also undergo intensive on~campus instruction at the PNG Maritime College, as the photo on the right shows.

How can you take advantage of the new opportunities?

The maritime industry has many career opportunities on offer, both at sea and on land. With persistence and determination, you can work your way up to command a ship (above left) or manage shore based operations (above right).

The Government of PNG is committed to providing a rewarding future for women in the maritime industry. If you have the dedication and determination to shape your future in this exciting field, contact the College Principal at the PNG Maritime College for further information.