Gender-based occupational challenges in the maritime industry: a comprehensive questionnaire validation

Objectives. Ensuring occupational safety and well-being in high-risk industries necessitates addressing gender-based challenges that impact workforce ergonomics, productivity and retention. This study validates the workplace gender challenge questionnaire (WGCQ), an instrument designed to assess gender-related occupational challenges encountered by female officers in the maritime industry. Methods. Study 1 examined the construct validity of the WGCQ through exploratory factor analysis. Study 2 confirmed the factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis and tested the questionnaire's criterion-related validity by correlating its dimensions with the job-related emotional exhaustion scale. Results. Three key dimensions of gender-based occupational challenges were identified: gender inequality, work-family conflict and feeling of inadequacy - all of which are critical determinants of workplace safety, job strain and ergonomic well-being. The results further demonstrated that gender-based disparities in occupational environments contribute to psychosocial stressors, which may increase emotional exhaustion, work-related fatigue and ergonomic inefficiencies. Conclusion. The validated WGCQ provides a standardized framework for assessing these challenges, supporting the development of industry-specific interventions aimed at promoting inclusive workplace policies, ergonomic improvements and occupational health strategies. This instrument can be adapted for use in other male-dominated industries where gender disparities impact workplace safety, job performance and employee well-being.