Global Women’s Walk 2026 to celebrate women in the industry while supporting Room to Read

It’s time to lace up those boots and take part in celebrating, supporting and elevating the women shaping the marine industry.

This year, the Global Women’s Walk will coincide with International Women in Maritime Day on 18 May 2026. This means that between 11 and 18 May 2026, industry professionals and supporters are being asked to walk 5km (3.2 miles) to help promote unity, progress, and meaningful recognition for the contributions of women driving the industry forward.

Open to all genders (to walk wherever they are, with whomever they choose), walkers will be supporting Room to Read, a global nonprofit dedicated to literacy, learning, and gender equality. Participants will have the opportunity to donate and help advance education for young girls worldwide.

Goal of supporting library via donations

In 2026, the goal is to raise $25,000, enough to support an entire school and library.

“Last year, more than 1,200 women and men from five continents and 15 countries participated in the Global Women’s Walk. It was a powerful demonstration of unity and support for the women working in the marine industry,” says Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, and founder of the Women in the Industry programmes.

“As we started planning this year, we realised that if each participant had donated $20, we would have enough funds to support a school and library for at-risk girls. That is our goal for this year.”

Participants are being asked to share their global walk experiences on social media using #GlobalWomensWalk2026, with the aim that they will be featured in marine media and on the jumbo screen at the Women in the Marine Industry International Event at Metstrade on 18 November 2026.

Metstrade involvment

“At Metstrade, we are proud to support initiatives that not only champion diversity and inclusion within the marine industry but also create meaningful impact beyond it,” says Tessa Meijer, exhibition manager at Metstrade.

“The Global Women’s Walk 2026 brings our global community together in a powerful way. Together we celebrate women’s contributions, amplify their impact, and inspire the next generation. It’s an inspiring example of how our industry can unite, helping create more opportunities for girls worldwide to learn, lead, and thrive.”

Lesley Robinson, outgoing CEO of British Marine, says that the walk is a powerful reminder of what the industry can achieve when it comes together with purpose. “It’s not only about celebrating the achievements of women across the marine sector, but also about creating lasting impact beyond it. By supporting initiatives that expand access to education for girls worldwide, we are investing in the future of our industry and our global community.”

Teams can be registered online, and donations to Room to Read can be made via the organisation’s website.