The second International Day for Women in Maritime, which took place May 18, highlighted the importance of collaboration and networking in achieving gender equality in the maritime sector.
The International Maritime Organization marked this year’s occasion with a two-day conference at IMO Headquarters in London, as well as a social media campaign.
“Women are working in all facets of the maritime sector across the globe, on shore and at sea to support the transition to a decarbonized, digitalized and more sustainable future for the industry,” IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said in a statement. “There is still a significant gender imbalance in maritime. Times are changing—but we need to accelerate that change. The benefits for the whole sector of improved diversity in the workforce is evident.”
“The theme for this year highlights the importance of collaboration and networking in achieving gender equality in the maritime sector,” Lim continued. “The IMO-established Women in Maritime Associations are one example of such networks. They are paving the way in supporting women in maritime across the globe —and encouraging the next generation into the maritime industry.”
“This is the second year we are marking 18 May as a key day in our calendar to celebrate women in the industry and to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector,” he said. “Let us once again use this opportunity to celebrate the many women who are contributing to the future of maritime: navigators, engineers, surveyors, CEOs, managers, representatives of government and industry, those chairing IMO meetings, and women in every role across the industry.”
In 2021, the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming an International Day for Women in Maritime on May 18 each year. The day celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector and raise the profile of women in maritime.