Debmarine Namibia has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards gender inclusivity and workplace equity with the introduction of custom-made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tailored for women working offshore. This initiative forms part of the company’s broader Building Forever Inclusion and Diversity Goal, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring safety, comfort, and dignity for all employees.
Historically, PPE for seagoing roles was designed with male body shapes in mind, often leaving women to navigate their demanding work environments in poorly fitting gear. Recognising the safety risks and discomfort this posed, Debmarine Namibia launched a targeted intervention to change that reality.
New PPE items, including ergonomically designed overalls and a suite of ladies’ safety footwear have replaced standard gear with options better suited to women’s physiology. The rollout began in August 2022, with the latest addition introduced in April 2024.
According to Standard Officer Bethuel Amakali, the development process involved rigorous collaboration with Namibian suppliers through a detailed tender process. “Companies had to tailor their designs to meet Debmarine Namibia’s strict safety and functional requirements. It took time, site visits, and a lot of refinement to deliver a product that ticked every box for safety and suitability,” Amakali said.
Human Resources Manager: Operations and Services, Lucille Otto, emphasised the pivotal role of employee feedback in driving the change. “It was evident from our female workforce at sea that one-size-fits-all PPE not only hindered performance but also posed safety risks. We had to act,” Otto noted.
Beyond practical improvements, this initiative speaks to the evolving values within Debmarine Namibia. Recognising gender-specific needs affirms the company’s dedication to equity, especially as more women enter the marine diamond recovery environment.
Production Geologist Leefa Haipinge, one of the many women benefiting from the new PPE, shared her appreciation, “As women working at sea, we are truly delighted with the introduction of the new PPE. Not only are they beautifully designed, but they are also thoughtfully tailored to fit us comfortably. This has been a long-awaited development, and we genuinely appreciate the company’s innovative efforts in making sure women’s needs are recognised and met. It’s an empowering step forward.”
With improved comfort, fit, and safety compliance, the company anticipates enhanced performance, boosted morale, and a workplace culture that celebrates inclusive innovation. This achievement underscores Debmarine Namibia’s commitment to creating a future where every employee, regardless of gender can thrive.
Contributed by Debmarine Namibia