The 2026 Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course, organized by WMU and IMO, concluded on July 8, gathering 23 maritime professionals from 18 countries. The initiative aimed to enhance leadership skills and promote gender equality, featuring online learning and interactive workshops that addressed gender-related challenges in the maritime sector.
On the International Day for Women in Maritime, Professor Momoko Kitada received the IMO Gender Equality Award 2026. Coinciding with this honor, the “Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector” was released, offering practical guidance for integrating gender equality into maritime operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and crew wellbeing.
At the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference in Lagos, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola highlighted the urgent need to dismantle barriers preventing women’s participation in the maritime sector. He emphasized fostering partnerships and investing in skill development to empower women, while Dr. Odunayo Ani and Dr. Dayo Mobereola reinforced the importance of collaboration for Africa’s maritime growth.
On May 18, 2026, at the “International Day for Women in Maritime Excellence” event in Kolkata, GRSE’s Aparajita Ghosh and Debjani Sen were honored for their significant contributions to the maritime sector. Their achievements highlight the critical role of women in enhancing shipbuilding and corporate management in India.
Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Shefarer initiative, in collaboration with Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, and Marlow Navigation, to enhance gender diversity in maritime careers. The program aims to inspire women to join the sector, ensuring at least 20% of future cadet intakes are female, while also improving onboard facilities for women.
Professor Momoko Kitada received the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award on May 18, 2026, during a ceremony in London. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted education’s crucial role in women’s economic stability and advocated for active engagement in gender equality. Her work promotes diversity and inclusion in maritime education.
On the International Day for Women in Maritime, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the resilience and contributions of women seafarers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. He noted a significant increase in women entering the profession, driven by policy reforms aimed at empowering them and fostering inclusivity in India’s maritime sector.
This year’s IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, on May 18, focuses on achieving gender equality in the maritime industry. The theme, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” highlights the need for actionable steps to improve the lives of women, including seafarers and shore-based professionals.
The maritime industry faces workforce shortages, making diversity essential, especially for women’s participation in seafaring. The International Chamber of Shipping’s guidelines highlight women’s challenges at sea. Despite comprising 19% of maritime jobs ashore, women are only 1% of active seafarers, underscoring the need for supportive policies and environments.
The World Maritime University has reached a milestone with gender parity in its MSc program for the Class of 2026. Experts highlight that education is vital for empowering women in the maritime sector. While progress is made, more efforts are needed to enhance diversity, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities for women.
In a historic milestone for India’s maritime industry, the M.V. Sindhu has set sail as the first Indian-flagged vessel commanded by a female Master and Pilot. Captain Meera Uppadhaya and Pilot Ms. Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi’s leadership marks a significant step toward gender equality in maritime roles, inspiring future generations.
NiMiC Ship Management Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based subsidiary of the NYK Group, has appointed Louise Lin as the captain of the Taitar No. 4, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to lead an LNG carrier within the NYK Group. Lin’s journey reflects significant progress for women in maritime.
Despite global initiatives to enhance diversity, women remain underrepresented in the maritime sector, particularly at sea. The latest IMO-WISTA survey reveals that women constitute only 1% of seafarers in surveyed organizations. Without addressing structural barriers, the industry risks losing emerging female talent and future leaders, impacting operational performance and innovation.
The IMO-Republic of Korea SMART-C Women Project empowers women in the Asia-Pacific maritime sector through targeted online training. In March 2026, 40 female professionals from various countries participated, enhancing their competencies in decarbonization, digitalization, and gender empowerment. The initiative fosters inclusivity and aims to increase women’s participation in maritime careers.
At the Women Forward Summit, Melina Travlos highlighted the critical need for gender equality in various sectors, particularly in the male-dominated shipping industry. She urged a shift in mindset to ensure equal opportunities for women, emphasizing their significant contributions and advocating for greater visibility in both maritime professions and society at large.
