The gender disparity in the dive profession and the wider ocean realm is rooted in various factors, including societal perceptions and historical trends. Diving, often portrayed as physically demanding and perilous, has been seen as more suitable for men. These perceptions are further reinforced by the design of diving equipment, which has historically catered primarily to men, creating barriers to entry for women. Media and advertising have predominantly featured male divers, solidifying the stereotype of diving as a male-oriented field.

However, these dynamics are beginning to shift. As more women enter the sport, both recreationally and professionally, representation is gradually changing. This shift has led to the development of dive gear specifically designed for women and more inclusive efforts within diving organisations. Yet, in many parts of the world, the journey for women interested in diving remains challenging, particularly when it comes to pursuing it as a career.

Naw Ruth, a dive instructor from the Karen community in the Andaman Islands, stands as a testament to breaking these barriers. In a region heavily impacted by climate change, where rising sea levels and warming waters threaten both the environment and traditional livelihoods, Ruth’s journey is not just about gender but also about resilience and adaptation. As the first woman dive instructor from her community, she not only challenges the status quo but also sets an example for the next generation of women, encouraging them to engage with the ocean, understand its challenges, and actively contribute to its preservation.

The Karen people, many of whom now reside on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island), originally hail from Myanmar (Burma) and carry a deeply rooted cultural heritage. Fleeing civil conflict between 1925 and 1942, many Karen tribes migrated to regions bordering Thailand, with some venturing further west to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This forced migration led the Karen community to adapt to island life while preserving their unique cultural traditions.

Renowned for their expertise in agriculture and fishing, the Karen have long depended on these skills for their survival. However, climate change is now threatening these traditional livelihoods. Rising sea levels, increasing ocean temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events are altering the local ecosystem, making it harder for the Karen to sustain their agricultural practices and fishing activities. The warming waters and coral bleaching around Havelock Island, key to the local fishing industry, directly impact the community’s food security and economic stability.

For Karen women like Naw Ruth, who are typically the custodians of cultural traditions and play significant roles in agriculture and community decision-making, these changes pose new challenges. The traditional gender roles, once clear and stable, are being disrupted as the community adapts to the shifting environmental landscape. Ruth’s entry into the dive industry, a sector crucial to Havelock’s tourism-driven economy, marks a significant departure from traditional roles. It highlights not only her personal resilience but also the community’s broader need to adapt in the face of a changing climate.

Ruth’s journey into diving began in 2016, when a cousin introduced her to the sport. Until Ruth, women were not a part of the dive scene, which is a key drawcard of Havelock that has brought in people from around the world to the island. Ruth was immediately hooked to diving as a way to stay close to the ocean, adapt to her home changing and to bring people closer to the issues at hand on the islands. Just shy of a decade, she’s pushed to make this her life’s work.

During our exploration of Havelock Island, we had the privilege of diving with Naw Ruth, whose passion and dedication to her work were immediately evident. As we set out for Dickson’s Pinnacle, a legendary dive site off the coast, Ruth’s alertness and attention to detail underscored her deep love for the ocean and her role as a dive guide.

Recently certified as a dive instructor, Ruth’s journey is not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for her community. As one of the first women from the Karen community to break into this traditionally male-dominated field, she embodies the resilience needed to navigate both professional challenges and the broader impacts of climate change. The warming waters and coral bleaching that threaten the marine biodiversity of Havelock Island make Ruth’s role all the more critical, as she not only guides divers but also serves as a steward of these fragile ecosystems.

Ruth’s connection with DIVEIndia, where she has worked for the past six years, illustrates the importance of supportive communities in overcoming barriers. Her experience with DIVEIndia and SSI (Scuba Schools International) has provided her with the training and encouragement necessary to thrive in her career. In a world where climate change increasingly threatens marine environments, the work of divers like Ruth, who are deeply committed to both the sport and the conservation of the ocean, becomes indispensable.

As Ruth shared with us, her journey would have been vastly different without the backing of her ‘family’ at DIVEIndia. This sense of belonging and support is crucial not just for personal fulfilment but also for fostering the resilience needed to combat the ongoing climate crisis affecting her home and the underwater world she cherishes. She shared: “There’s this cultural perception that scuba diving is a male-dominated field, but I’m seeing that change as more women, including myself, are pursuing qualifications. Initially, joining the DIVEIndia team, I felt somewhat isolated, like a lone ranger. But that quickly changed once I realised that was in my head. The team was welcoming, and now they are family to me.”

As an instructor, Ruth’s mission goes beyond merely teaching scuba diving; it’s about empowering more women in her community to dive into a world that connects them deeply with the ocean. Ruth sees scuba diving as more than just a thrilling adventure – it’s a means of forging a profound connection with the natural world. By sharing this experience, she hopes to enrich the lives of others and inspire them to care for the environments they call home. 

Her involvement in the dive industry has already begun to spark interest among young women in her community, showcasing the possibilities that determination and a willingness to challenge the status quo can unlock. Ruth’s journey into scuba diving is not just about breaking into a traditionally male-dominated field; it’s about pioneering a movement. She’s showing the next generation of Karen women that the ocean is more than a resource. It’s an opportunity for growth, learning, leadership and professional freedom. 

By breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible, Ruth is equally teaching people how to dive while leading by example. She reminded us that, “the only limits we face are the ones we set for ourselves.” Through her leadership, she is opening doors and creating pathways for others to follow, proving that one person’s courage can lead to a collective movement toward a better, more inclusive future. As climate change continues to challenge her community’s way of life, Ruth’s work becomes even more critical – demonstrating how leadership and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Ruth’s vision for the future is deeply rooted in her commitment to a restored planet and combating climate change through her work. She recognises that individual actions, no matter how small, collectively contribute to significant change. By enabling others to explore their potential and find joy in the sea, Ruth hopes to inspire a broader movement toward environmental stewardship.

She advocates for a more inclusive view of scuba diving, where the emotional and experiential aspects of connecting with the ocean are just as crucial as any adventurous pursuit. “Before scuba diving, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Now, every dive for me is a unique experience that brings me happiness and excitement, unlike anything else. Sharing this joy with my trainees, seeing them discover the same wonders, doubles my happiness and excitement. Opening up this new world to the people around me has been incredibly fulfilling and something I want to spend my whole life doing.”

Ruth’s influence, especially among girls and women in her community, is profound. She emphasises the importance of maintaining an open mind, cultivating curiosity, and allowing each person to progress at their own pace. Her inclusive and welcoming approach has demystified the sport for many first-time divers, making her a key figure in her community’s diving scene.

When asked for her single best piece of advice to those considering diving, Ruth’s response was simple yet powerful: “Get in the water and come see it for yourself!” For Ruth, it’s time we all take action, connect with the sea, and realise that the choice is ours to see our planet thrive now and in the future.

_____

SHE Changes Climate collaborates with the Edges of Earth Expedition, a woman-led team dedicated to highlighting impactful stories from the environmental frontlines. This partnership focuses on amplifying the voices of women who are pioneering positive change in some of the world’s most vulnerable coastal and marine environments, many of whose stories have gone untold.