IMO Plans Events for International Women’s Day.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be celebrating the crucial role that women play in ensuring maritime safety on International Day for Women in Maritime, observed annually on May 18. The event aims to promote the recruitment, retention, and empowerment of women in the maritime sector, as well as creating a barrier-free work environment. Ahead of the event, the IMO will host an international symposium on May 17 at its headquarters in London, focusing on the theme ‘Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety.’

The symposium will feature distinguished seafarers, maritime professionals, and leaders discussing the importance of reframing maritime safety through a woman’s lens and implementing a holistic approach to safety at sea that considers gender considerations. The IMO Secretary-General emphasized the need to advocate for equal opportunities and unlock the full potential of a diverse workplace, while addressing challenges such as discrimination and disparities. Gender equality has been a longstanding focus for IMO, as women currently make up only 29% of the overall maritime workforce and less than 2% of seafarers worldwide.

To highlight solutions, the event will showcase the Diversity@Sea project by the All Aboard Alliance, with 11 shipping companies implementing measures to promote inclusivity, such as having vessels crewed by at least four women. The symposium will also include the presentation of the first-ever IMO Gender Equality Award to Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou for her significant contributions to advancing gender equality in the maritime sector. Additional commendations will be given to other notable nominees for their work in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime industry.

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