Empowering Women in Scuba Diving: A New Wave of Change

Empowering Women in Scuba Diving: A New Wave of Change

“The most unforgettable moment was watching a local woman begin her open water course wearing her veil—in that moment, she was honoring her culture and her traditions, while becoming a diver. It’s powerful,” shares Marteyne van Well, the regional general manager at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and founder of the Maldives Underwater Initiative, a program designed to empower women in Laamu to pursue careers in diving and marine biology.

Despite the presence of notable women in the field, the scuba diving community has historically been male-dominated. Prior to 2014, women represented less than 35 percent of dive certifications worldwide and fewer than 18 percent of dive professionals. Fast forward to today, over a decade later, and women now account for nearly 40 percent of Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certifications, having outpaced men in new certifications since 2022. This growth can be attributed to dedicated leaders such as van Well, who are championing a new era of increased female representation in marine activities.

A significant driver of this advancement has been PADI’s Women in Diving initiative, which was launched in 2015 to address the gender disparity within the sport. Kristin Vallette Wirth, chief brand and membership officer for PADI Worldwide, highlights the collaborative nature of this initiative. "This initiative became a core PADI priority; we developed actionable strategies for PADI Dive Centers globally to support the cause. Consequently, PADI Women’s Dive Day has emerged as the most celebrated diving event worldwide."

Since its launch, more than 250,000 additional women have obtained dive certifications, thereby reducing the gender gap by nearly 7%. By 2024, it is anticipated that female divemaster certifications will increase from under 18 percent in 2015 to over 30 percent.

The impact of such initiatives is becoming increasingly noticeable in locales like the Maldives, where women are making strides in areas traditionally occupied by men.

The inaugural Women’s Dive Day, which took place in July 2014, has empowered dive centers and professionals to encourage women to pursue diving certifications. As this event approaches its 12th anniversary in 2026, it remains a significant and enduring trend. “Now we see women progressing into advanced scuba, Nitrox, and even marine research. Once they’re invited in, they don’t remain at entry level,” emphasizes van Well.

Inspirational Leaders

With PADI providing a foundational framework, advocates such as Rose Huizenga, based in Gili Air, Indonesia, have taken proactive steps. A seasoned diver, Huizenga founded Coral Catch, which aims to provide scholarships for coral restoration, including PADI dive certifications, to 100 Indonesian women by the year 2030. Her passion was ignited by her experience in diving and conservation, particularly noting the lack of female representation in the waters.

The idea originated during the pandemic when the downturn in tourism led to funding cuts for conservation efforts. “What if we created the first completely female, local coral restoration team in Indonesia?” she recalls, despite facing initial doubts. “My husband said, ‘I love you, but that’s crazy. These girls can’t be away from their families. Can they even dive in hijab?’”

Nonetheless, Huizenga firmly believed in the passion of women to dive despite existing challenges. After issuing an online call for interest, over 150 women from across Indonesia applied within a mere three months. “When we brought together women who shared a love for the ocean, something remarkable occurred. They formed a sisterhood."

This sisterhood has made an impactful presence in one of Indonesia’s most pristine and protected marine areas. The Gili Islands—comprising Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are celebrated for their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, often dubbed the turtle capital of the world. Coral Catch's influence is palpable within the community, showcasing the power of female empowerment in scuba diving.