Women's Involvement in Hydrographic Work in Chile
The Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA), the national authority responsible for hydrography and nautical charting in Chile, has a rich history that includes the groundbreaking participation of women in these fields.
Although specific historical accounts about women's involvement at SHOA are scarce, it is known that the first woman to participate in a hydrographic survey at SHOA was recruited during a period of personnel shortage in the 1970s. Her name was Ms. Yolanda Guerra.
The IHO, an organisation established in 1971 with objectives to ensure coordination, promote uniformity, adopt safe methods, and stimulate development in hydrography and oceanographic studies, was instrumental in shaping the landscape of hydrography worldwide. Chile ratified the IHO Convention in 1971, reaffirming its commitment to contribute to the organisation's objectives.
The search results do not include data or references related to the history or role of women in these fields within the Chilean Navy or SHOA. However, it is widely known that many naval and hydrographic services worldwide historically involved predominantly men, with women's participation often increasing from the late 20th century onwards due to changing military policies and evolving gender roles.
In Chile, women’s integration into naval scientific and technical roles, including hydrography and cartography, has gradually expanded. Ms. Pilar Ortiz became the first woman to become a hydrographic surveyor in Chile in 2005, and since then, women have played significant roles in aerial photogrammetry, geographical feature naming, and processing bathymetric tidal and current data at SHOA.
The first hydrography course for technicians was delivered at SHOA in 1987, and in 1980, the first hydrography course for officers was held. Up until 2020, SHOA's Instruction Center has graduated 12 female enlisted personnel.
In recent years, the IHO has shown a commitment to the empowerment of women in hydrography, as evidenced by the adoption of a new working point entitled "The Empowerment of Women in Hydrography" in the IHO Capacity Building Sub-Committee’s Work Program. Canada and the IHO have also signed an agreement to support the participation of more women in the field of hydrography and their advancement to leadership roles within the hydrographic community.
Chilean Law N° 16.771 of 1968 and Supreme Decree N° 192 of 1969 established the mission, functions, and internal regulations of the current Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA). Strengthening the hydrographic and nautical cartographic capabilities of SHOA is crucial for safe navigation and marine environment protection.
For a more detailed history or significant biographies of women in SHOA, it is recommended to consult official publications or archives from SHOA or the Chilean Navy, academic works or theses focused on gender and naval science in Chile, or interviews or historical retrospectives featuring women hydrographers or cartographers in Chile.
- The inclusion of women in the workplace-wellness of SHOA, particularly within the field of hydrographic survey, began in the 1970s when a woman was recruited during a period of personnel shortage.
- Coinciding with the establishment of the IHO in 1971, Chile also ratified the IHO Convention, committing to promote gender equality in the realm of hydrography and oceanographic studies, including coastal zone management.
- In the field of education-and-self-development, SHOA delivered its first hydrography course for technicians in 1987 and for officers in 1980, signifying a stepping stone for the career development of both men and women in these fields.
- Fitness-and-exercise and mental-health are equally essential for personal-growth, and women in SHOA have demonstrated significant roles in processing bathymetric tidal and current data, contributing to the health-and-wellness of the marine environment.
- To fully appreciate the history and impact of women in the hydrographic and cartographic sectors of Chile, one must turn to official publications, academic works, interviews, and historical retrospectives, offering valuable insights into women's health, education, and career development in these fields within the Chilean Navy and SHOA.
