For International Women’s Day, we asked women across the maritime sector three questions about their careers, progress in the industry, and what still needs to change.
This is what Maria Angela said.
What do you enjoy most about working in the maritime sector as a woman?
What I enjoy most about working in this field is the sea itself, understood as a natural force that drives you to bring out your best. In its vastness, we find an environment that is naturally challenging and constantly changing: days of calm with unforgettable landscapes, but also rough seas and storms that test resilience, patience, composure, and the ability to work as a team.
Working in the maritime sector is not just a profession—it is an intense life experience. Each day at sea is dynamic; there is no monotony. Planning and adaptability become our best allies.
This enjoyment has evolved over the years. At first, it came from curiosity: learning, discovering, and mastering the skills of the profession. Today, it is linked to taking on challenges and achieving personal and collective goals alongside a generation of men and women who share the same vocation.
In my case, my role is to ensure safety along maritime communication lines, protect human life at sea, and safeguard Colombia’s maritime interests. Every mile sailed and every day spent on the ocean reaffirms my conviction that, through the sea, I contribute to building a more prosperous country for all Colombians.
What progress have you observed for women in the sector in recent years?
The sector has achieved significant progress, perhaps the most important being equity based on competence and capability. Today, we see more women in various roles within the maritime sector, accessing positions not because of gender, but due to their personal and professional preparation.
Selection for a given role is based on training received, experience and performance at sea, and leadership skills. The old paradigm that women had restrictions in holding or exercising certain positions is now a thing of the past.
Particularly in the Colombian Navy, women participate in all areas of the naval career: operational, administrative, command, and leadership. The institution has moved from merely allowing female participation to normalizing it in positions of authority.
Consequently, organizational progress goes beyond statistics about the number of women in the institution; it represents a deeper change: the consolidation of professional equality.
What do you think still needs to be done to better support women in the maritime field?
I believe the current challenge for women in the maritime sector is ensuring long-term retention, which is directly linked to balancing life at sea with family life.
To achieve this, institutions need clear policies regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, equity in parental leave, and greater flexibility in career progression. Many women, upon becoming mothers, naturally face an internal dilemma: choosing between family and career due to the high demands of time and energy at this stage of life. Institutional alternatives help mitigate this dilemma and facilitate balancing a maritime vocation with family life.
Additionally, it is essential to establish mentorship programs that provide personal and professional support and help advance and project successful women within the sector.