The marine transport and shipping sector presents an opportunity for the attainment of sustainable ocean development pillars, including gender empowerment in the historically male-dominated ocean-based sectors. To tap this opportunity, India has developed frameworks and policies for increasing women’s gainful participation in the marine transport sector, especially as seafarers. This aligns with Agenda 2030 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Blue Economy concept. Yet, despite the increasing policy mechanisms, progress toward women’s participation has largely remained abysmal and fragmented to few marine transport activities, raising sustainability and historical concerns. Our study uses a systematic literature review of 62 articles to explore the barriers, perceptions, and attitudes in the sector and their ramifications. Findings revealed that despite the recognition of the value of women in the marine transport sector (mainly in onshore jobs), women’s inclusion in the sector is still low, especially as seafarers. This is worsened by the sexist stereotypes and negative biases about where women should be involved in the sector. To reverse this, we developed a simplistic novel pathway that has six components. The components in the pathway could fit into the national landscape of India to boost holistic women’s participation. Increasing momentum and evidence-based policy mechanisms focusing on aiding diversity in the maritime workforce is essential for implementing the BE framework in India. Additionally, creating avenues that work toward kickstarting and increasing equity and equality between genders can aid more sustainability and empowerment spaces in India’s marine transport and shipping sector. A combination of these will ultimately culminate into women’s empowerment in other BE sectors.