Maritime Facts and Figures: WOMEN IN MARITIME

"Empowering Women in the Maritime Community" was the World Maritime Day theme for 2019. The theme provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to highlight the important contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector. 

The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting for its 120th session at IMO Headquarters in London, endorsed the theme, following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.   “IMO has a strong commitment to helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and continues to support the participation of women in both shore-based and seagoing posts, in line with the goals outlined under SDG 5: 'Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls',” Mr Lim said.  Read More 

• Newest group championing women in maritime meets in Senegal
• IMO and WISTA International launch the Maritime SheEO Leadership Accelerator Programme 2022
• IMO sets International Day for Women in Maritime - International Day for Women in Maritime will be observed on 18 May every year
• The power of visibility – IMO launches photo search for women in maritime - March 6, 2020
• Video message of the IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, "Empowering Women in the Maritime Community"
• IMO’s gender programme: new logo to increase visibility for women in maritime
• IN FOCUS: Women in the Maritime - IMO's Gender Programme
• Captain Radhika Menon: The first female captain in the Indian Merchant Navy and the first female to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea

The first International Day for Women in Maritime was held May 18 2022.  The proposal to establish an International Day for Women in Maritime was approved by IMO's Technical Cooperation Committee (TC) in September 2021 and subsequently endorsed by the IMO Council in November 2021.  The inaugural IMO International Day for Women in Maritime focused on the theme "Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment”. Read More

Below are links to media coverage relating to international events celebrating the day.

1. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure launched “She of Caliber” initiative.  Zawya.  23 May 2022.
2. Mauritius marks first ever International Day of Women working in maritime industry.  Government of Mauritius.  19 May 2022.
3. News: Maritime UK launches Global Women in Maritime Series.   Maritime UK. 18 May 2022.
4. On the International Day for Women in Maritime, University President Shares Her Experiences and Hopes.  Pew Charitable Trusts.  18 May 2022.
5. Women in the maritime industry celebrated.  Government of Australia. 18 May 2022.
6. Maritime Authority Of Jamaica Official Wants More Women Leaders In Industry.  Jamaica Information Service. 18 May 2022.
7. Celebrating the inaugural International Women in Maritime Day, The Mission to Seafarers publishes Women Seafarers Report.  Mission to Seafarers 18 May 2022.
8. Women Seafarers - Report 2022.  Mission to Seafarers. 18 May 2022
9. Women breaking the ceiling in male-dominated maritime jobs.  Business Daily (Kenya). 18 May 2022.  
10. Breaking the stereotype.  Borneo Bulletin (Brunei Darussalam).  18 May 2022.
11. Celebrating the International Maritime Organization’s first International Day for Women in Maritime.  Standard Club. 18 May 2022.
12. Belgian Shipping features daily nominee to celebrate first International Day of Women in Maritime.  Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association. 18 May 2022.
13. UN marks first ever international day spotlighting women working in the maritime industry.  UN News. 18 May 2022.  
14. Women are climbing the maritime career ladder, Caribbean port official says.  WorkBoat. 17 May 2022.  
15. Liberia IMO Rep Pushes for More Women in Maritime.  New Republic Liberia. 17 May 2022.  
16. Greece 2022: Women with their hands on the helm. Lloyd’s List. 17 May 2022.
17. International Day for Women in Maritime: VDR sees need for action.  German Shipowners' Association. 17 May 2022.  
18. It’s time women steer maritime sector to achieve blue economy gains.  The Star (Kenya).  16 May 2022
19. Women who have chosen sailing as a career have broken stereotypes: MoS External Affairs and Culture.   Government of India. 14 May 2022. 

Below are links to selected content, from the global media, which relate to Women in Maritime.

1. Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime in 2022: The full interview.  MARINE LOG.  20 December 2022
2. Over 100 women speakers have joined the IMO and WISTA International Speakers Bureau in the first month since the launch.  All About Shipping.  13 December 2022.
3. Battling Inequality.  Marine Professional (IMarEST).  2 December 2022.
4. Few shipping companies offering careers to women, conference told.  Lloyd's List.  28 November 2022.
5. National spotlight turns on Gender-Based Violence at SA’s inaugural maritime sector seminar in Cape Town.  South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).  23 November 2022.
6. WISTA Bermuda Celebrates 6th Anniversary.  Bernews (Bermuda).  23 November 2022.
7. Shipping’s Attempt to Hire More Women Runs Into a Macho Culture.  Bloomberg.  23 November 2022.
8. WISTA, Maritime SheEO collaborate to drive leadership skills for women in maritime.  Safety4Sea.  23 November 2022. 
9. Haastrup bemoans gender gap in maritime industry as IMO advocates inclusion.  Guardian (Nigeria).  23 November 2022. 
10. Maersk enters harassment settlement with second female cadet.  ShippingWatch.  22 November 2022.
11. What about women seafarers’ rights?  Safety4Sea.  21 November 2022.
12. Søren Skou after Hope Hicks settlement: "Best outcome for her and for everyone".  ShippingWatch.  21 November 2022.
13. Maersk settles with Hope Hicks in harassment case.  ShippingWatch.  18 November 2022.
14. Gender Inclusiveness: WMU Commends NIMASA.  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).  8 November 2022.
15. Elpi Petraki has been appointed the new president of WISTA International.  Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA). 27 October 2022.
16. Discrimination against female seafarers 'unacceptably' widespread.  Nautilus International. 27 October 2022.
17. Women seafarers experience onboard gender-based discrimination, harassment and bullying – a shocking maritime report reveals.  Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA). 24 October 2022.
18. Ann Fenech elected President of the Comite Maritime International.  Malta Independent. 23 October 2022.
19. ‘I want more female seafarers to break the glass ceiling,’ says Wilhelmsen Ship Management’s first woman captain.  TradeWinds. 19 October 2022. 
20. Wilhelmsen Ship Management has conferred their first female Korean captain, Captain Lee Eun Ran.  Cyprus Shipping News. 18 October 2022.  
21. #Journey to COP27: Pacific Women negotiators state their case for 1.5 world.  Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). 15 October 2022.
22. Women in Norwegian shipping say what they really think about workplace diversity.  TradeWinds. 30 September 2022.
23. Svitzer launched training program for women seafarers.  Safety4Sea.  30 September 2022. 
24. The 2022 Women in the Law of the Sea Conference successfully closes with a renewed commitment to empowering women in marine sciences and ocean affairs.  International Seabed Authority (ISA). 29 September 2022.
25. New platform highlights women’s leadership in tackling global challenges.  UN News. 20 September 2022.
26. Podcast: Maritime Masterclass with Caroline Yang, Hong Lam Marine.  Seatrade Maritime News.  15 September 2022.
27. Sea change! Female cadets sail in marine engineering at Cusat, go places.  New Indian Express.  7 September 2022.
28. ESL bemoans limited diversity as it welcomes first female master.  TradeWinds.  7 September 2022.
29. Without investment, gender equality will take nearly 300 years: UN report.  UN News.  7 September 2022.
30. Maersk to seek settlement in harassment cases – could lead to million-dollar compensation for two women.  ShippingWatch.  5 September 2022.
31. Call to change perceptions on historical role of women in shipping.  Lloyd's Register.  1 September 2022.
32. Career Paths: Gudrun Janssens, Royal Belgian Shipowners Association.  Safety4Sea.  18 July 2022.
33. Percentage of female seafarers remains unchanged in 40 years.  Seatrade Maritime News.  13 July 2022.
34. Catherine Smith, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited.  Shipping Podcast.  1 July 2022.
35. Girls At Sea.  Loop Pacific. 28 June 2022.
36. Saraki tasks women maritime practitioners on industry devt.  The Sun (Nigeria).  25 June 2022.
37. Changing misconceptions: North Star ensures more women become seafarers.  TradeWinds. 23 June 2022.
38. EDITORIAL: Cadet’s story of rape at sea should challenge our gentle approach to empowerment.  DCN - Daily Cargo News (Australia). 23 June 2022. 
39. Hope Hicks case not an isolated incident, shows need for practical change in shipping.   ITF Seafarers. 23 June 2022.
40. Jamaica salutes seafarers’ journeys on the Day of the Seafarer.  Hellenic Shipping News. 23 June 2022.
41. Robert Uggla on sexual offences aboard Maersk ships: "I am ashamed".   ShippingWatch. 22 June 2022.
42. Bridging shipping’s gender pay gap.  Splash 247.com. 22 June 2022.
43. WISTA Hellas seminar shines spotlight on challenges faced by women at sea.  Hellenic Shipping News. 22 June 2022.
44. Sexual offences on Maersk ship investigated as criminal case.  ShippingWatch. 17 June 2022.
45. Sexual abuse and harassment ‘systemic’ on ships.  Lloyd's List. 17 June 2022.
46. AU to host Women in Blue Economy Workshop.  Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).  15 June 2022
47. "Midshipman-X" Reveals Her Identity in Suit Against Maersk Line Ltd.  Maritime Executive. 14 June 2022. 
48. Maersk sued by two women in rape and sexual harassment case.  ShippingWatch. 14 June 2022.
49. Let’s talk women in maritime.  Seatrade Maritime News. 9 June 2022.
50. Marina vows support for women in maritime industry.  Manila Times.  25 May 2022.
51. National Maritime Day: Why are We Still Asking if Women Belong at Sea?  Maritime Executive.  22 May 2022.
52. Alice Amundsen Vice President, Senior Adviser, Gard.  Shipping Podcast.  20 May 2022.
53. Mauritius marks first ever International Day of Women working in maritime industry.  Republic of Mauritius.  19 May 2022.
54. Guyana honours longstanding women in maritime sector.  Loop.  19 May 2022.
55. UN marks first ever international day spotlighting women working in the maritime industry.   UN News.  18 May 2022. 
56. Breaking the stereotype.  Borneo Bulletin (Brunei Darussalam).  18 May 2022.
57. 18. A.P. Moller – Maersk announces India’s first Women Seafarers’ Cadet Programme.  Economic Times (India). 18 May 18 2022
58. Belgian Shipping features daily nominee to celebrate first International Day of Women in Maritime.  Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association.  18 May 2022.
59. Women in the maritime industry celebrated. Government of Australia.  18 May 2022.
60. Women need to step up in maritime industry.  Malaysian Reserve.  18 May 2022.  
61. On the International Day for Women in Maritime, University President Shares Her Experiences and Hopes.  Pew Charitable Trusts.  18 May 2022.
62. Women breaking the ceiling in male-dominated maritime jobs.  Business Daily (Kenya).  18 May 2022.
63. Celebrating the International Maritime Organization’s first International Day for Women in Maritime.  Standard Club.  18 May 2022.
64. News: Maritime UK launches Global Women in Maritime Series.  Maritime UK.  18 May 2022.
65. Celebrating the inaugural International Women in Maritime Day, The Mission to Seafarers publishes Women Seafarers Report.  Mission to Seafarers.  18 May 2022.
66. Maritime Authority Of Jamaica Official Wants More Women Leaders In Industry.  Jamaica Information Service.  18 May 2022.
67. What changes do women want to make the industry a fairer place to work?  Tradewinds.  18 May 2022.
68. Saudi Arabia celebrates International Women’s Day in Maritime Sector.  Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia).  18 May 2022.
69. Shipping | International Day for in Maritime to promote training and visibility.  The Gleaner (Jamaica).  17 May 2022.
70. Liberia IMO Rep Pushes For More Women In Maritime.  New Republic (Liberia).  17 May 2022.
71. International Day for Women in Maritime: VDR sees need for action.  German Shipowners' Association.  17 May 2022.
72. Women are climbing the maritime career ladder, Caribbean port official says.  WorkBoat.  17 May 2022.
73. First woman to command US aircraft carrier didn’t even know she could get the job.  CNN.  17 May 2022.
74. EMMA OKELLO: It’s time women steer maritime sector to achieve blue economy gains.  The Star (Kenya).  16 May 2022.
75. Women who have chosen sailing as a career have broken stereotypes...  Government of India.  14 May 2022.  
76. Coast Guard Admiral Becomes First Woman to Lead a US Military Branch.  Military.com.  12 May 2022.
77. Regional forum advocates for greater inclusion of women in maritime.  The Gleaner (Jamaica).  12 April 2022.
78. Shani Ben-David is the First Woman to be Appointed as Captain in the Israeli Merchant Marine. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. 10 April 2022.
79. VIDEO: Top Women in Maritime.  Marine Log.  7 April 2022.
80. GPHA urges females to partake in Maritime courses.  Ghana News Agency. 4 April 2022.
81. Port pro of the month: Anna Mihneva-Natova (BG).  European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).  31 March 2022.
82. Women of the 9th annual World Ocean Summit: breaking barriers in the blue economy.  World Ocean Initiative (WOI).  25 March 2022.
83. Dr Mbiah Urges Women To Take Over IMO Leadership.  News Ghana.  22 March 2022.
84. American Club’s Ioannou to become the first woman P&I club chief executive.  TradeWinds.  21 March 2022.
85. Top Danish shipping positions filled by men – women represent just one in five.  ShippingWatch.  18 March 2022.
86. Full steam ahead! AMSOL driving progress in its gender diversity initiatives.  Engineering News (South Africa).  18 March 2022.
87. Director of Port of Tema urges women in maritime and shipping industry to take part in IMO SheEO leadership program.  GhanaWeb.  16 March 2022
88. This 25-year-old marine engineer spends months at sea and is the only woman on board.  Channel News Asia.  15 March 2022.
89. Why we need to do more to improve on diversity, equity and inclusion in maritime.  Lloyd's List.  14 March 2022.
90. Will robotic and uncrewed vessels improve maritime’s gender imbalance?  Marine Professional (IMarEST).  11 March 2022.
91. Podcast: In Conversation with Tan Beng Tee on International Women’s Day.  Seatrade Maritime News.  8 March 2022.
92. Protection for women seafarers under the Magna Carta.  Cebu Daily News (Philippines).  8 March 2022.
93. OnWatch episode 8: See it to be it - Increasing gender diversity on board.  Gard.  8 March 2022.
94. International Women’s Day: ‘Time is now’ for gender equality.  UN News.  8 March 2022.
95. Women in Shipping Watch: Expert thinking on empowering women in maritime industry.  Safety4Sea.  8 March 2022.
96. Nautilus 'maritime barometer' reflects measures needed to remove career obstacles for female seafarers.  Nautilus International.  8 March 2022.
97. ICS launches online Charter to drive diversity and inclusion in shipping on International Women’s Day.  International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).  8 March 2022
98. International Women’s Day : Honouring women in maritime.  Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA).  7 March 2022.
99. Second officer Cora Bonham talks perseverance and deep sea voyages.  Nautilus International.  6 March 2022
100. New research to explore welfare needs of women seafarers.  Safety4Sea.  4 March 2022.
101. On International Women's Day: Break the bias.  Manila Times. 2 March 2022.
102. Putting women on the maritime map.  Nautilus International. 24 February 2022.
103. The future is bright for women in maritime industry – PLASS president.  GhanaWeb. 24 February 2022.
104. Women dominate IBIA’s 2022 board elections.  International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA). 21 February 2022.
105. The allaboutshipping.co.uk 100 Top Women in Shipping for 2021.  All About Shipping. 18 February 2022.
106. Over 50% of women seafarers suffer bullying and harassment: study.  Seatrade Maritime News. 15 February 2022
107. Women Together: Taking real action will make shipping more appealing to a diverse range of talents.  Safety4Sea. 17 January 2022.  
108. Who is Captain Kate McCue?  Cruise Blog.  10 January 2022.
109. After 224 Years of Service, USS Constitution Gets First Female CO.  Maritime Executive.  5 January 2022.
110. National Action Plan for Women in the Somali Maritime Sector proceeding.  EUCAP Somalia. 4 January 2022.