All-Woman crew of SCI Vessel makes history

What is the News?

Union Minister has flagged off an all-women crew onboard Shipping Corporation of India(SCI) vessel named “MT Swarna Krishna”. This initiative was taken to celebrate International Women’s Day.

What is the significance of this initiative?

• This is the first time in the world maritime history that a ship is being sailed by all women officers.
• The move also demonstrated the gradual shift in the perception of seafaring as a male-oriented profession and the principles of Diversity & Inclusion that SCI upholds.

 MT Swarna Krishna Vessel:

• MT Swarna Krishna was built in 2010. It is a shipping tanker of the Shipping Corporation of India Limited(SCI).

Shipping Corporation of India Limited(SCI):

• Established in: SCI is a Government of India Public Sector Enterprise. It was established in 1961 by an amalgamation of Eastern Shipping Corporation and Western Shipping Corporation.
• Purpose: It operates and manages vessels that service both the national and international lines.
• Strategic Disinvestment: In 2019, the Union Cabinet had accorded ”in-principle” approval for strategic disinvestment of SCI.
• Headquarters: Mumbai.

International Women’s Day:

• International Women’s Day(IWD) (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
• In 1975, the United Nations celebrated Women’s day for the first time. Then in 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Women’s Day.
• Theme for 2021: The theme is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”.  And the campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge.

Source: The Hindu

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