Did you know that in 2015 #SeafarersHospitalSociety worked with the IMHA, @iswan_org and @ITFglobalunion on the Women Seafarers Health and Welfare Survey? Today's THREAD is on the findings of this report, the importance of #WomenInMaritime, & what we do at #SHS to help:

The project surveyed the response of 595 female #seafarers from 54 countries with participants asked to select their top three #health and #wellbeing challenges. The aim was to identify and prioritise perceived gaps in the provision of healthcare to female #seafarers.

Our results found that 47% of our respondents identified joint and back pain as a #health and #wellbeing concern, whereas 43% noted that they were struggling with #stress, #depression and #anxiety. These were the largest concerns within the survey for female #seafarers.

Other common challenges that they identified were problems with weight and #nutrition (21%), as well as heavy or painful #menstruation (19%) which affected them in their workplace. Nearly 40% of respondents said they did not have access to a sanitary bin onboard.

We know how vital it is that all primary stakeholders—from #shipowners, #crewing agents, #welfare organisations & #seafarers—need to be engaged in the process of change for it to be effective. Only then can #WomenInMaritime feel welcome, & #recruiting & #retention rates increase.

Our recommendations therefore included the production and distribution of information that addressed #BackPain, #MentalHealth, and #Nutrition, as well as information on potential #gynaecological complaints for any #seafarers requiring these.

Additionally, we recommended that all #ships make available means for disposing of sanitary waste for all #crew who menstruate. Improved availability of products addressing #menstruation, such as sanitary products, in port shops and welfare centres worldwide would be welcome.

As an organisation that works to assist #seafarers, we have support systems in place to address some of these needs. For example, we've partnered with @Connect_Health_ to provide fast track #physiotherapy to address work related injuries and pain: https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/fast-track-physiotherapy/

Additionally, we partner with @Togetheralluk to offer #free, #confidential #online service to help with #MentalHealth and #Wellbeing issues such as #stress, #anxiety, and #depression: https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Given that we know that #COVID19 has significantly impacted #seafarers around the world, and women in the workforce in particular, we're not unaware that there may be a disproportionate impact on #WomenInMaritime, particularly as some have to balance #caregiving at home as well.

At the #SeafarersHospitalSociety, we offer a variety of ways in which we might be able to help offer some support during difficult times. For example, we offer Respite Care so you get a temporary rest from caregiving to replenish yourself: https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/respite-care/

We also partner with @SeafarersAdvice to offer #free, #confidential and impartial advice on everything from relationship & family issues, to #immigration, to #welfare and #debt. Reach out now for help: https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/seafarers-advice-and-information-line/

And we know that a lot of #anxiety and #stress can be the result of financial problems, which is why we have emergency grants (with support to help apply for them as well): https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/grants-to-seafarers/

As you can see, our research influences the work we do, ensuring that we are able to assist #seafarers in the specific ways that they need. Ensuring that our approach is holistic to ensure that we support #WomenInMaritime not simply in word but in deed.

It's worth noting that there are other support systems available as well. For example @MaritimeUK runs a working group on #WomenInMaritime that provides a great deal of support and mentoring within the #maritime industry. We urge female #seafarers to reach out & join the network

Lastly, we're excited about @IMOHQ & @WISTAInt's survey on number & distribution of women working across roles in the #maritime sector, with long term aims of creating #policy to support a more inclusive & diverse workforce. We can't wait for the results! https://twitter.com/IMOHQ/status/1363880027025272836