(LONDON) — This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime (May 18) focuses on embedding gender equality at every level of the maritime industry, both on shore and at sea.
Under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” the day highlights actions to translate international ambitions and commitments into tangible actions that will make a difference in the lives of women in the sector, from seafarers to shoreside professionals.
“Despite our longstanding commitment to fostering gender diversity across the maritime sector, persistent challenges remain,” said International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. “It is time to reflect deeply and ask, where are we falling short, and what practical measures can we implement to move beyond rhetoric and achieve meaningful, lasting change?”
On May 18, the IMO is hosting a special event at its headquarters in London, exploring why gender mainstreaming matters and the challenges that remain across the maritime sector. The in-person event, with full interpretation, will be livestreamed on the IMO’s YouTube channel to further amplify women’s voices.
The event will be opened by Dominguez and features a variety of maritime experts and advocates sharing their perspectives on best practices in turning commitment into action.
A highlight of the event will be the launch of the “Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming” by Professor Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University. The handbook will serve as practical resource designed to support maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, and maritime training institutions in integrating gender perspectives into their policies, procedures, and operations.
Kitada will also be presented with the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award.
The global maritime community is encouraged to be part of the conversation on social media by sharing stories about what women in maritime are achieving and using the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay, tagging @IMOHQ on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
– International Maritime Organization
