“In my capacity as one of the very few female Lecturers in the School of Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University and a proud member of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) UK, I would like to take the opportunity and celebrate all the women in the Planet Ocean on the 18th of May.
The 18th of May has been announced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as the “International Day for Women in Maritime” and it will be observed annually.
I would like to refer to the most powerful words of the IMO Secretary -General Mr Kitack Lim, whom I had the great pleasure to meet at IMO one week ago:
“This day for Women in Maritime will further efforts to achieve SDG 5 on gender equality. It is a perfect follow-on action to the 2019 theme of empowering women in maritime and the Assembly resolution adopted in 2019. I am pleased that the Member States have joined in the call to achieve a barrier-free environment for women, so that all women can participate fully, safely and without hindrance in the activities of the maritime community, including seafaring and shipbuilding.”
I would like to acknowledge this day for the unique and meaningful value it carries, and I join my voice to all women in the maritime field, who call for equal opportunities and gender empowerment. ‘Hear, hear’ all women Seafarers in the maritime world.”
*Anna Kaparaki, Senior Marine Law Solicitor with Mackinnons Solicitors LLP, Lecturer in Maritime Law at Liverpool John Moores University (School of Engineering), Liverpool and North West Propeller Club Ambassador, Member of the London Shipping Law Centre (LSLC), and Member of WISTA UK.
