A groundbreaking initiative has been launched by the Seafarers’ Hospital Society (SHS) to provide complimentary feminine hygiene products for women working at sea. The project aims to address the often overlooked issue of the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products faced by female seafarers, impacting their ability to perform their duties effectively.

The SHS, a UK-based maritime charity, has kickstarted a pilot program that will see the distribution of discreet kits containing feminine hygiene essentials to women crew members at the Port of Tilbury and the London International Cruise Terminal. This move comes as a response to research funded by SHS exploring the welfare needs of women on cargo ships, shedding light on the challenges faced by female seafarers beyond the more visible issues like harassment and discrimination.

Sandra Welch, the CEO of SHS, emphasized the significance of this project in supporting the health and well-being of women in the maritime industry. She highlighted the pivotal role of this initiative in bringing attention to the unspoken obstacles that female seafarers encounter due to the lack of access to essential hygiene products. The project, funded by a generous grant from The Seafarers’ Charity and the TK Foundation, is expected to benefit over a thousand women working at sea.

Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, underscored the importance of reflecting on how shipping companies can better support their female crew members to enhance well-being, retention rates, and attract more women to the industry. The initiative has garnered support from various quarters, including Dennis Treleaven from The TK Foundation, who acknowledged the pivotal role women seafarers play onboard and the need to ensure their needs are adequately met during extended periods at sea.

By partnering with the QVSR London Tilbury Seafarer Centre, SHS aims to provide around 30 sanitary bags to women on cargo ships docking at Tilbury, further extending the reach of this vital initiative. The ultimate goal is to spark a broader conversation within the maritime community about the welfare of female seafarers and encourage the implementation of similar projects across different ports in the UK.

This project not only addresses a practical need for feminine hygiene products but also symbolizes a step towards gender equality and inclusivity within the maritime sector. It is a testament to the industry’s evolving landscape and the recognition of the invaluable contributions made by women in maritime professions. As the project unfolds, it is hoped that it will serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a more supportive and equitable environment for all seafarers, regardless of gender.