Katina Benn, President of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) – Guyana Chapter Inc., has been instrumental in advancing gender equality within Guyana’s maritime industry. The organization was officially launched on May 18, 2022, coinciding with the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime.
WiMAC Guyana’s core objective is to empower women in the local maritime sector through initiatives such as capacity building, mentorship, networking, advocacy for equal opportunities, and increased visibility. Benn said, “Principally, this is what the regional body of WiMAC strives to achieve.”
Creating an enabling environment for women involves institutionalizing practices that support, empower, and uplift them. Benn explained, “This means that women have access to opportunities, through training, leadership roles and mentorship.”
She cited the example of former Director Jenniece Robertson Scrubb, who benefited from leadership training through the Maritime SheEO Program, an international mentorship dedicated to empowering women in the maritime industry.
In 2023, Benn was elected Vice President – Women and Development for the Regional Body of WiMAC Council. In this role, she leads the implementation of initiatives benefiting women across all chapters, including managing a regional mentorship program developed by WiMAC and the Caribbean Shipping Association. Benn noted, “Two women from Guyana are a part of this program.”
Reflecting on her decade-long experience in the maritime sector, Benn said, “I’ve seen firsthand how women often have to work twice as hard to be seen, heard, and taken seriously.” She said, “When we focus on recruitment, retention, and long-term career growth for women, the whole industry moves forward.”
Since its launch, WiMAC Guyana has implemented several programs:
- Scholarship Program: 20 women were awarded scholarships to pursue STCW Basic Safety Training at the AA Maritime Offshore Training Institute.
- WiMentor Program: Focused on secondary school students.
- Christmas Cheer Program.
- Financial Literacy Training.
Upcoming initiatives for 2025 include the launch of a nautical camp aimed at sensitizing children aged 7-11 about maritime operations, “ToolBox for Her” training to teach women how to use basic hand tools, fire response training, and a gala and awards ceremony scheduled for June 20. Benn explained, “Our gala and awards ceremony is the highlight event for the year and it will recognize women who have made tremendous strides in various fields within the local maritime sector.”
Looking ahead, Benn expressed her aspiration for WiMAC Guyana to lead the development of national maritime policies that promote gender equality. She also underscored the need to expand partnerships with key agencies and increase involvement from women in the private sector.
