Rewriting Women into Maritime History: Global voices

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This page was published on 18/05/2026

The groundbreaking project to uncover and showcase the role of women in the maritime sector – past and present – is celebrating India’s leading women change‑makers and aims to do the same in the global south.

SHE_SEES India

Explore our digital exhibition

Honouring the stories of India’s maritime women

Now in its international phase, stories and features celebrating women championing change within India’s maritime sector have been drawn together. With material that includes a mix of striking visuals, art and storytelling, the project highlights the activities undertaken by these women and how they are influencing their industry. By working with portrait photographer and visual artist Emilie Sandy, Lloyd’s Register Foundation helps bring attention to their stories and incredible careers to date.

The project is expanding to build partnerships and gather stories from women in maritime sectors across the global south. Those interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to register their interest via the Heritage Centre website.

In India:

Late in October 2025, the SHE_SEES team travelled to Mumbai to meet the women of Indian shipping, who had gathered for India Maritime Week. The mission was to learn from them and use their hidden voices and different perspectives to drive change.

33 women were interviewed and photographed during the event, with the ages of the women and the sectors they represented ranging from 20 to 73, from ship management and ports to law, media and insurance.

SHE_SEES at the India Maritime Week 2025. © Sama Creatives

In terms of maritime diversity, India is further ahead than many countries. According to the International Maritime Organization WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024, it accounts for some 7% of women seafarers, which is substantially higher than the overall global average of 1%.

We sought to use this opportunity to gain an understanding of why Indian women are more readily getting onboard. They were asked what motivations and influential figures shaped their career in shipping, as well as what foundations they think need to be built to help women thrive in the maritime industry.

Key themes emerging from the interviews included the importance of teamwork, visible role models, and supportive networks.

The digital exhibition, featuring the stories and portraits are available on the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Heritage Centre website.

This work builds on our previous work to strengthen the dialogue on how to address the challenge of rewriting women into maritime history, including the ‘All hands on deck: securing the maritime future through diversity’. The SHE_SEEs initiative has previously been showcased at Portsmouth, one of Britain’s most significant cities when it comes to naval history.