The International Maritime Organization (IMO) established the International Day for Women in Maritime in 2021, celebrated on 18th May to acknowledge the struggles and contributions of women in the shipping industry. The theme for 2024 is “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety”. Despite efforts, women make up less than 2% of seafarers globally, prompting the need for bridging the gap and empowering women through education, professional development, innovation, and sustainability initiatives.
IMO, in its 36th annual program, emphasized the importance of gender equality in the maritime sector and the need to recognize women’s achievements. Various organizations also celebrate this day by highlighting women’s strides in the field while advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunities. One such organization, AMSA, stressed the importance of diverse opinions, female role models, and inclusivity in the maritime industry to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The IMO’s Women in Maritime Program, initiated in 1988, focuses on training, visibility, and recognition for women seafarers. The celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime also involves other maritime organizations advocating for education, training, and preparing women for leadership roles in the evolving maritime industry, which now includes digitalization, automation, and sustainability requirements. Awareness and positive changes within workplaces are encouraged to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5, aimed at achieving gender equality and empowerment for women.
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