Rita Al Semaani Jansen: The Road Less Traveled

Rita Al Semaani Jansen, a partner at law firm Watson Farley & Williams and a member of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) UAE, shares her insight on what it takes for female professionals to succeed in the global maritime sector.

From Issue 1, 2026 of Breakbulk Magazine.

(2-minute read)

I began my career at a time when fax machines were the primary mode of communication and days could pass before a response was received. Little did I know then that my journey would start in the maritime industry. I did not know the difference between manned and unmanned vessels, yet this was where my shipping experience began.

In a male-dominated sector, I learned to find my place. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the technical aspects of the marine business, I boarded vessels, entered engine rooms and walked through dry docks and repair sheds.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize I took the road less traveled. It was not without challenges or pain. Being the only young and inexperienced woman sitting on a board of directors, the only woman in a conference room, and the only woman negotiating deals was not the easiest path.

There were moments when being heard required more effort than expected. Working across complex sectors demanded not only technical understanding, but also consistency, resilience and sound judgment. There were situations where assumptions were made before my contributions were recognized. Convincing counterparties who were unaccustomed to dealing with women in the industry required learning how to communicate value clearly and confidently.

What helped me navigate these challenges was a commitment to understanding the industry in depth. I focused on learning its commercial realities, building trusted professional relationships and delivering dependable outcomes. Over time, credibility followed. This, however, did not come without hard work, perseverance and dedication. I also learned the importance of making deliberate career choices, setting boundaries and accepting that meaningful progress does not always come quickly, but it does come with focus and direction.

My ambition and passion have always driven me forward. The trust I earned from those I worked with and for was, and remains, my greatest reward.

As life presented its own challenges, I overcame most through perseverance. My greatest personal challenge, however, was balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities. Unfortunately, many women of my generation faced the same dilemma; this was often the price a career woman was expected to pay. Gender bias around family responsibilities was common. I recall a time when my two-year-old son was admitted to the hospital, and I was still asked by my managing partner to attend a client meeting. It is encouraging to see that, despite ongoing industry challenges, greater accommodation is now being made for parents.

Today, my focus is on contributing in a way that is practical, sustainable and aligned with long-term value. I am also conscious of the responsibility to support other women in the industry by being honest about the challenges and about the persistence required to overcome them.

Success, for me, is no longer defined solely by titles or milestones. It is reflected in credibility earned through consistency, the ability to create space for others to contribute and a willingness to continue learning and evolve. Barriers still exist, but they are not immovable. With patience, clarity and the right support, they can be navigated and, over time, reshaped.

Success evolves with change: Embrace it and thrive.

Rita Al Semaani Jansen combines broad commercial capability with niche mastery of maritime and port-sector mandates. Clients rely on her for practical, high-impact advice on shipping operations, concession structures and regulatory frameworks across the GCC. Rita is a member of WISTA UAE, an official Women in Breakbulk partner.