More women today are choosing education and jobs that were previously dominated by men. One of them is Tuperna Johansen.
Tuperna has solid experience at sea. Among other things, she has worked as a navigator on one of RAL’s largest ships, Malik Arctica, as well as on Irena Arctica, where she crossed the Atlantic (from Nuuk to Denmark and back) and steered the passenger ship Sarfaq Ittuk and several smaller ships. She has also sailed in Europe as chief mate on 60° North Greenland’s North Viking.
“Today, ships are so advanced that they can control their own stability during loading, whereas older ships still have to be loaded manually, which requires great concentration. It’s fascinating to work on such large ships,” she says.
Tuperna has always been used to working among men. But in the beginning, she encountered prejudice.
“When I started sailing, some older men thought I was too physically weak, just because I was a woman. But eventually that stopped. They got to know me – and the criticism disappeared. I haven’t experienced it since,” she says.
The sea has always played a big part in Tuperna’s life. Her father was a sailor, and as a child she often traveled with him on long trips.
Life bound to the sea
When she became a mother, she had to put her life at sea on hold for a while.
“When I had my son, I couldn’t be away for long periods of time, so I tried working in an office. But it wasn’t for me. When I got the opportunity to sail in South Greenland, I said yes right away. Now I can still be at sea – and be there for my son,” says Tuperna, who now sails for Disko Line in their targaer.
Over the years, she has experienced everything from big waves to indescribably beautiful nature and met many different people from all over the world.
“Today, I feel that women are accepted as helmswomen. I sense that the men trust me and have confidence in my work. At first, I didn’t like uniforms – especially when we had to eat spaghetti, but I learned to like them over time,” she says with a smile.
Returning home to Qaqortoq
Tuperna returned home to Qaqortoq in July and is now a powerhouse on Disko Line’s targaer. She notices that passengers pay extra attention to her and some take selfies with her. The children always melt her heart.
“I love letting children try to steer – our father did the same with us. And that’s an important memory that I want to pass on,” concludes Tuperna Johansen.
Throughout December, Innovation South Greenland will be presenting women who are role models in business and who work in traditionally male-dominated professions.
