The following is text of a news release from the International Maritime Organization (IMO):
(LONDON) — The International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated each year on June 25. The International Maritime Organization is calling on everyone in the maritime world and beyond to get on board with this year's theme of gender equality and declare their support.
"# I Am On Board" can be used by anyone engaging in the campaign, male or female, to show their solidarity for gender equality in seafaring.
"To everyone in shipping – you are missing out on a huge talent pool if you don't recognize and empower women in the workplace. Join our Day of the Seafarer campaign and get on board with gender equality at sea," said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.
This year's Day of the Seafarer campaign, with its hashtag # IAmOnBoard, links with the IMO World Maritime Day theme, "Empowering Women in the Maritime Community." The theme supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 5.
"Gender equality is vital for sustainable development. Join our Day of the Seafarer campaign to promote seafaring as a career for women," Lim said. "I'm on board with gender equality at sea. Are you?"
Day of the Seafarer champions
As in previous years, the campaign is centered on social media. This year, three Day of the Seafarer champions have pledged their support for the campaign and they will be sharing their photos and stories on social media. They are:
• Pilot Elizabeth Marami, the first female pilot in Kenya: https://www.instagram.com/lizmarami/
• Capt. Kate McCue, the first United States female to captain a cruise ship: https://www.instagram.com/captainkatemccue/
• Capt. Wendy Williams, the first Canadian female to captain a cruise ship: https://www.instagram.com/captainwendywilliams/
Virtual wall – Make one change
What would you do if you were able to make just one change to achieve gender equality in seafaring?
IMO is urging seafarers, shipping companies and individuals of all genders to share their thoughts on the virtual wall: https://dayoftheseafarer.imo.org/2019/
