- The 2024 International Day for Women in Maritime focuses on the crucial role of women in maritime safety and the evolving attitudes towards gender in the industry.
- The IMO will present its first Gender Equality Award to Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou for her service to women in shipping.
- Despite women comprising only 29% of the maritime workforce and less than 2% of seafarers, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of investing in women’s education and professional development to foster innovation and sustainability.
- An international symposium will discuss reframing maritime safety through a woman’s perspective.
This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime centers on the vital role women play in ensuring maritime safety globally and the evolving attitudes towards gender in the industry. The first IMO Gender Equality Award will be presented to Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou from Cyprus, honoring her dedicated service to women in shipping during her tenure as president of WISTA International.
Observed globally on 18 May every year, Women in Maritime Day aims to raise the profile of women in maritime and promote their recruitment, retention, and sustained employment in the sector. Currently, women make up only 29% of the overall maritime workforce, 20% of the workforce in national maritime authorities, and less than 2% of seafarers worldwide.
IMO Secretary-General’s Address
Speaking at an international event on 17 May 2024, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need for greater investment in women’s education and professional development to drive innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry.
Emerging Opportunities for Women
The rise of digitalization, automation, and green technology in the maritime sector presents new skills requirements and potential career opportunities for women. Mr. Dominguez highlighted the importance of embracing change to enhance diversity and inclusion in the industry.
IMO’s Women in Maritime Programme
Initiated in 1988, the IMO’s Women in Maritime programme supports gender equality through gender-specific fellowships, access to high-level technical training, career development opportunities, and the establishment of professional women in maritime associations, especially in developing countries.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
IMO is committed to helping its Member States achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Symposium on Women Shaping Maritime Safety
On 17 May 2024, IMO will host an international symposium at its headquarters in London under the theme “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety.” Distinguished seafarers and maritime professionals will discuss reframing maritime safety through a woman’s perspective and implementing a holistic approach to safety at sea, considering gender aspects.
Presentation of the IMO Gender Equality Award
During the symposium, Ms. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou will receive the first-ever IMO Gender Equality Award. The event will be livestreamed on IMO’s YouTube Channel.
Social Media Campaign
IMO encourages the maritime community to celebrate the day on social media using the hashtag WomenInMaritimeDay and tagging IMO on various platforms to spread the message.
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Source: IMO
