In a landmark move to support gender equality in the maritime sector, Barrister Hassan Bello, Principal Partner of Justicia Legal Practitioners and former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, announced free legal counsel for Nigerian women experiencing gender-based discrimination at work. This commitment was made at the 2024 MMS Hall of Fame Induction and Life-Impact Awards held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
Bello expressed his law firm’s willingness to partner with Nigerian women in maritime to challenge discrimination and promote equity in the workplace. “We are willing to offer legal support to women facing gender-based conflicts in the industry. Women’s rights matter, and it’s imperative we take steps to secure a fair work environment,” Bello stated.
In his keynote address, Bello highlighted the numerous barriers women face, including limited access to education, financial restrictions, and workplace harassment, which hinder their progress. He emphasized the need for a structured political and economic agenda for women, advocating that leaders and political aspirants should clearly state their stance on issues such as underage marriage, genital mutilation, and women’s representation in governance.
Mrs. Bernadine Ifeoma Eloka, Vice President of Clarion Bonded Terminal and a 2024 inductee, praised the event but urged greater government involvement in future discussions to ensure impactful actions follow the ideas shared. “It is not enough to convene and discuss; we must engage those in power to effect changes,” she noted, stressing that the MMS Hall of Fame should actively involve government bodies in their summits.
Similarly, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, CEO of Ocean Deep Services Limited, encouraged women to focus on their career paths and prioritize capacity building, underscoring the multifaceted roles women play across various fields. “Women should be celebrated for their resilience and contributions across professional and personal realms,” Macfoy asserted.
The event also saw a call to action from Mrs. Binta Adamu Bello, Director General of NAPTIP, who emphasized the importance of unity among women in addressing gender-based violence and human trafficking. Represented by the Acting Director of Violence Against Persons, Tolu Odugbesan, she encouraged women to report incidents of GBV and support each other in these efforts.
Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi, Managing Partner of Temerity International Experts Limited, highlighted untapped opportunities within the digital space that could drive innovation in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Ogunniyi advised women to continually develop their skills and be prepared for advancements in digital solutions that could modernize port operations.
The 2024 MMS Hall of Fame was celebrated as a platform of inspiration for younger women, showcasing the achievements of women leaders in maritime and advocating for sustained progress in gender equality.