From the age of 12, Veronika Agatha Pouppou had already decided on her path—a path that refused to conform to expectations. The challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry like shipping never deterred her from chasing her dream.
With determination, hard work, and unwavering passion, she proves that the professions have no gender—only individuals who deserve to be there.
At just 20 years old, Veronika is studying Maritime Science at the Cyprus Maritime Academy with the goal of becoming an officer at sea. She acknowledges that comments like “this isn’t a job for women” or “when will you start a family?” never discouraged her. Instead, they fuelled her resolve, making her even more determined to pursue this incredible journey.
In just a few days, Veronika will once again put on her uniform and board a ship for a voyage she knows will remain etched in her memory and heart forever. Despite her young age, she has already gained a taste of life at sea. Last summer, she spent two full months on board, with only five days on land.
A lifelong fascination
As she recalls, every time she passed by Limassol Port, where she grew up, she would ask her father how captains knew where to steer their ships. “From a young age, I was fascinated by ships.”
It was as if her father could see into the future when he replied, “Study it, learn about it, and then tell us.”
When Veronika announced her decision to pursue a maritime career, her parents’ response was deeply moving. They supported her wholeheartedly from the start—even though she was just 12 years old when she made the announcement.
“While my classmates were dreaming of becoming beauticians, doctors, or lawyers, I knew I wanted something different,” she says.
Her parents played a crucial role in helping her explore her options. They took her to career seminars, which eventually led her to the Cyprus Maritime Academy. “My mother was worried that I might not be completely sure, that I might not like it in the end, but she remained supportive of my decision.”
From 12 to 18, she never once wavered in her commitment.
“I had the opportunity to speak with people already in the industry, and they always told me that what I needed most was self-discipline and confidence. At 12, I didn’t have much of either—but I worked hard to develop them, and today, I feel I’ve reached a good place.”
The only woman among 30 men
Her first voyage, lasting two months, was a major challenge—she was the only woman among 30 men.
When asked if she felt out of place or faced any negative attitudes, Veronika admits there were moments of discomfort. She encountered comments like, “But you’re a woman!”, “How will you start a family?”, and “Wouldn’t it be better to find an office job?” But instead of discouraging her, these remarks pushed her to work even harder to prove her worth. “I’m not here for a holiday. I’m here to learn and work.”
The unique challenges of being a woman at sea
When asked about the difficulties women face on long voyages, Veronika highlights one of the most challenging aspects—packing. “As a woman, I have to consider things differently. I need to plan ahead and take medicines that might not be available on board. Every woman has different medical needs, and this is one of the biggest expenses I have before I set sail.”
“This is the career I want”
As for the hardships of long voyages and the storms one may encounter, Veronika recalls experiencing bad weather during her two-month journey, despite it being summer. Yet her enthusiasm and passion for her dream left no room for fear. “In two months, I visited countries I would never have seen otherwise. I encountered new cultures, worked with people from different backgrounds, and adapted to various perspectives.”
This unpredictability, she says, is exactly what draws her to the profession. “You never know what will happen—you always have to be prepared. This is the career I want.”
As she prepares to embark on a six-month voyage, she feels a mix of anxiety, excitement, anticipation, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She hopes the crew she joins will be welcoming and that she, in turn, will work well with them.
Aiming for the top
Looking ahead, Veronika’s goal is clear: to rise as high as possible in her career. “I want to work on ships for many years and gain experience. Ultimately, I would love to become a captain.”
Finally, she sends a powerful message to all women breaking stereotypes by entering male-dominated professions. “I know this career is challenging, but that doesn’t mean a woman can’t also have a family. In fact, this job provides financial independence, allowing women to support their families and face any difficulties that come their way.”
Women should never be discouraged from following their dreams or careers because of what others say, she insists. “Believe in your abilities and fight for what you want. I believe in myself, and I will achieve my goals. Fear should never hold us back.”
