The 2026 Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course, organized by the World Maritime University (WMU) in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), concluded on July 8. This initiative gathered 23 maritime professionals from 18 countries to enhance leadership skills and promote gender-inclusive practices within the maritime sector.
The course aimed to bolster the strategic leadership and project management abilities of mid-career professionals while fostering gender equality in decision-making. Participants hailed from diverse backgrounds, including seafarers, maritime administrations, and educational institutions. The program was structured in three phases, integrating online learning with a five-day residential component at WMU in Malmö. Initial online sessions introduced concepts of gender-inclusive leadership, covering critical topics such as project planning and stakeholder analysis.
During the in-person segment, participants engaged in interactive workshops that emphasized public speaking, team building, and gender-responsive project management. They collaborated on projects addressing gender-related challenges in the maritime field, culminating in a certification ceremony. The final online sessions focused on coaching and career development, where participants presented personalized leadership action plans for implementing gender-inclusive initiatives in their organizations.
Led by Professor Momoko Kitada, the program utilized the expertise of WMU faculty and international leadership specialists. Participants shared insights from their respective countries, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This training course aligns with IMO’s capacity development goals, advancing gender equality and inclusive leadership while equipping maritime professionals with essential skills and networks for driving organizational change in the maritime industry.
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