52
broader platform to share its message and advocate
for policy changes in a media-rich environment.
This will attract much-needed public support and
create awareness regarding the maritime profession
and among women.
− Central Accessibility for All Women in the Sector
The association's office has to be in a central location
so that women from all parts of Bulgaria can easily
come to it, participate in the work and events, and
benefit from the help programs. A central office
makes travel and joining easy, ensuring the
organization is not limited to a particular area and
can help women in maritime and other water-based
transport jobs nationwide.
Based on these considerations, the ideal location for
the proposed organization should be in one of
Bulgaria's key port cities, such as Varna or Burgas.
These locations would also enable the direct
engagement of the maritime industry, access to leading
educational institutions, and engagement of all
industry stakeholders. The organization should also
retain a presence in Sofia to engage governmental
agencies and boost advocacy. This two-site model
would allow the organization to maximize reach and
impact on the gender infractions and challenges within
the water-based transport sector. Setting up the
organization in an optimum location will assist it in
closely and strategically supporting, monitoring, and
expanding the participation of women in the industry
and so continue to push for significant change in the
direction of gender equality for women in the water-
based transport industries and enhanced opportunities
for a career for women. By implementing such
measures, Bulgaria can move towards narrowing the
gender gap in its aquatic sector, leading to a more
equitable and diverse industry.
6 CONCLUSIONS
This study aimed to assess the need of setting a
national entity in Bulgaria to support and improve
women employability in the maritime transportation
domain. However, the study revealed a central
institutional blindness to gender inequality in this area,
despite wider national-level and EU-driven initiatives
to address gender equality.
Additionally, the findings from an assessment of
136 women enrolled in or active in the maritime
industry suggest that participants faced numerous
obstacles to become involved and succeed within the
industry, such as gender stereotypes, discriminatory
recruiting practices, unequal compensation, and
limited institutional support. The absence of
institutions addressing the particular challenges faced
by women working in waterborne transport which
adds to the severity of the problems described.
Respondents were also very supportive to the
establishment of a National Institution: Unambiguous
priorities were given to career development,
networking with educational institutions, addressing
discrimination and visibility. The report also provides
strategic recommendations to set up and locate the
body so that it is effective, accessible, and capable of
influencing policy.
In short, the study finds that an established
institution is a crucial step towards systemic shift,
mechanisms in a place with a focused, coordinated and
sustainable attention to women in maritime in
Bulgaria that will be part of a more equal and diverse
industry.
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