The CMA CGM Group Launches the "She sails" Program to Promote Diversity and Increase Women's Representation on Board Ships

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, has introduced She sails: Empowering at Sea by CMA CGM, an internal program promoting women’s maritime careers, especially on the Group’s ships. The goal is to increase the appeal of these careers among women.

The Group is also committed to gender equality, offering meaningful career opportunities while combating disrespectful behavior in all forms.

Enhancing the Appeal of Maritime Careers to Increase Women’s Participation Onboard CMA CGM Ships

Acknowledging the underrepresentation of women in maritime careers, the CMA CGM Group aims to recruit 500 women as crew members by 2026, a significant increase from the current figure of around 200 women among 12,000 seafarers. To achieve this goal, the She sails program focuses on three pillars:

• Attractiveness: Introducing young women to maritime careers, particularly those available within the Group, through internships on ships, specific scholarships, and a mentoring program. Mentoring by the Group’s female seafarers provides guidance on career progression and personal development. Testimonials from current female seafarers aboard CMA CGM ships are also highlighted to inspire future generations.
• Promotion: Offering professional growth opportunities aboard a fleet of innovative ships, leading in decarbonization efforts with 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon fuels (biomethane, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels) by 2028. The Group will also engage with young women in maritime studies to showcase the careers and advantages offered by the CMA CGM Group.
• Retention: Banning disrespectful behavior and ensuring gender equality in professional opportunities, promotions, and pay: equal pay for equal roles. Programs such as WE – Women Empowerment and training in leadership, negotiation, and decision-making are also provided. 

Through She Sails, CMA CGM reaches out to female seafarers, maritime students, and women aspiring to careers that combine global exposure with a passion for the sea.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President of Industrial Assets and Operations at CMA CGM, states: “Currently, women are underrepresented among our crews, which does not align with our ambitions. Through She sails, we aim to promote maritime careers to women, facilitate their lives on board, and increase their presence on our ships. I am proud to launch this program, initiated by the Group’s Chairman and CEO, Rodolphe Saadé. We trust our seafarers to champion She Sails, share their experiences, and ensure a more inclusive maritime industry in the future.”

Concrete Measures to Strengthen Professional Equality and Gender Diversity 

The CMA CGM Group has implemented numerous initiatives to foster gender equality and diversity, including:

• A prevention and response mechanism against all forms of violence or harassment, especially those of a sexist or sexual nature, ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees.
• The WE – Women Empowerment program to accelerate the professional growth of women and promote their leadership within the Group.
• Training for all employees on combating all forms of discrimination, complemented by specialized training on harassment.
• Leadership programs incorporating diversity and inclusion, aiming to train equal numbers of men and women at the TANGRAM innovation and training center.
• The “Elles Bougent” program promotes careers in transport and logistics to girls and young women in schools, with mentors involved in over nine countries.