Happy Women's Day 8th of March!

Dear women, on behalf of the Seafarers' Union of Russia and myself personally, I congratulate you on International Women's Day! March 8 is a special holiday for everyone associated with the sea. 

Women have been a symbol of warmth, love and hope for sailors since the earliest times. You sent your husbands, fathers, and sons off on long voyages, anxiously awaited their return home, and gave them the strength to overcome all challenges. Your tenderness, kindness, and support have always been the beacon that lighted the path of sailors during the hardest voyages. 

But times are changing, and today women not only wait for their heroes on the shore, but also conquer the high sea themselves. You have become full members of the crews, and now no one is surprised by a girl on the captain's bridge or in the engine room. You have proven that you can manage vessels with incredible skill and maintain perfect order on board. 

The maritime fleet history features many examples of outstanding women who inspire a new generation of female cadets: Anna Shchetinina, the world's first female captain of an ocean-going vessel; Valentina Orlikova, the first captain of a large freezer fishing trawler; Lyudmila Tibryaeva, a legend of the Arctic seas who commanded large-tonnage vessels for more than 20 years. 

And nowadays, Diana Kidzhi, the world's first Chief mate on board a nuclear icebreaker, continues the glorious traditions of her predecessors. There are more and more such examples every year, and this is encouraging. 

Dear women, you are not just inspiring, you are changing the maritime industry, making it updated, diverse and strong. Your determination, expertise and dedication are worth of the utmost respect. Dear women, whether you are pursuing a career in the marine or taking care of your family and loved ones - be happy and enjoy every day! Love and be loved! Happy holiday! 

SUR President Yury Sukhorukov