The IMO-Republic of Korea SMART-C Women Project is dedicated to empowering women in the Asia-Pacific maritime sector through targeted online training. This initiative aims to create broader career opportunities and promote a more balanced and diverse workforce. In its largest cohort to date, 40 female maritime professionals from countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam participated in training sessions held in March 2026. Led by experts from the World Maritime University, the program focused on enhancing professional competencies and leadership skills, fostering inclusivity within the maritime industry.
During the opening session, Ms. Louise Proctor, the IMO Thematic Lead on Gender Equality in Maritime, emphasized the project’s goal of increasing women’s participation in a rapidly evolving sector, particularly in digitalization and decarbonization. Ms. Rubina Badoy from the Philippines, a former participant and WMU scholarship recipient, shared her transformative experience, inspiring the current cohort as they began their training.
The training modules are centered on three themes: Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Gender Empowerment. They address critical topics such as alternative energy solutions, the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and maritime digitalization, including cybersecurity and the Maritime Single Window. Additionally, the program tackles gender-related challenges, focusing on cultural awareness and strategies to promote women’s leadership.
Selected trainees will have the opportunity to attend an in-person session in South Korea in October, where they will gain practical experience and further develop skills applicable in their home countries. The SMART-C Women Project remains a crucial platform for women in the maritime sector, facilitating professional growth through training, education, networking, and the formulation of national master plans for women’s empowerment in targeted countries.
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