IMO celebrates Women in Maritime Day
The global maritime sector is today marking the International Day for Women in Maritime under the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence’.
Established by the International Maritime Organization (IM0), this year focuses on advancing gender equality at every level of the maritime industry, both on shore and at sea.
Speaking ahead of a dedicated industry event at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on commercial stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric to address persistent diversity gaps.
Dominguez said: “Despite our longstanding commitment to fostering gender diversity across the maritime sector, persistent challenges remain. It is time to reflect deeply and ask, where are we falling short, and what practical measures can we implement to move beyond rhetoric and achieve meaningful, lasting change?”
This year, the Global Women’s Walk has also coincided with International Women in Maritime Day. Between 11 and 18 May 2026, industry professionals and supporters have been encouraged to walk 5km (3.2 miles) to help promote unity, progress, and meaningful recognition for the contributions of women driving the industry forward.
IMO event on advancing gender equality in shipping
The International Maritime Organization is hosting a special event at IMO Headquarters in London today, exploring why gender mainstreaming matters and the challenges that remain across the maritime sector.
The in-person event, with full interpretation, will be livestreamed on IMO’s YouTube channel, to further amplify women’s voices.
The event will be opened by Dominguez and features a variety of maritime experts and advocates sharing their perspectives on best practices in turning commitment into action.
IMO Gender Equality Award and launch of the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming
The event will also mark the launch of the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming, by Professor Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University.
A practical resource designed to support maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, and maritime training institutions, the handbook seeks to integrate gender perspectives into policies, procedures, and operations.
Professor Kitada will also be presented with the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award.
Live broadcast and social initiative to amplify sector voices
The global maritime community is encouraged to be part of the conversation on social media by sharing stories about what women in maritime are achieving and using the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay, tagging @IMOHQ on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram,and Facebook.
International Day for Women in Maritime programme
16.00 – 16.30 Registration
16.30 – 16.35 Opening: Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, IMO
16.35 – 16.50 Expert perspective: ‘Why Gender Mainstreaming Matters: Challenges and Gaps in the Maritime Sector’
- Moderator: Atty. Sharon De Chavez-Aledo maritime attaché, permanent mission of the Philippines to the IMO, chair of HTW sub-committee & co-chair IMOGENder
- Speaker: professor Anna Petrig, University of Basel
16.50 – 17.00 Launch of Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming – professor Momoko Kitada, World Maritime University (WMU)
17:00 – 17.15 Expert perspective: ‘From Commitment to Action: Best Practices in Gender Mainstreaming’
Leave a Reply