MOL has been encouraging diversity by sending its female officers to teach young students about the “excitement and challenge” of life at sea.
MOL, with the help of the Japanese Shipowners' Association, took its roadshow to the historic city of Nara where girls at the Seisho Senior High School were told about the work of an officer.
Nara is a landlocked city, although it is close to the major ports of Kobe and Osaka.
“For many of the students this was their first opportunity to meet someone who works as a seafarer, so they asked many questions and sparked a lively exchange of information,” MOL said.
Japanese shipping lines have a reputation of being a little slow in encouraging gender diversity in the workplace.
However, MOL has appointed a female director, Etsuko Katsu, to the board. It is also taking part in the MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index and has been approved for the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp Nedeshiko loan, which is awarded to companies with a workplace that encourages women to take an active role.
