WISTA UK Celebrates 51st Year of Advancing Diversity in the Maritime Industry
[London, 27 February 2025] – The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) UK is proud to continue its legacy of promoting diversity, inclusion, and leadership in the maritime industry as it embarks on its 51st year. Following the successful 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2024, WISTA UK is looking forward to building on this milestone, ensuring that both women and allies have the opportunity to share their experiences and shape the future of the maritime sector.
Their first main fundraising event was on 26 February. It featured notable speakers and industry leaders, including Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Security, who will deliver the opening address. Monica Kohli OBE, President of WISTA UK, welcomed guests, emphasising the importance of continued progress and collaboration in advancing women’s roles in maritime.
“We are proud to have reached our 51st year, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women and supporting diversity across the industry,” said Monica Kohli OBE, President of WISTA UK. “Our work continues as we create a space for open dialogue, learning, and growth. We want to ensure that women and allies alike can share their insights and contribute to shaping an even more inclusive maritime future.”
The evening featured inspirational speeches on the theme of Seafarers—Navigating Towards a Better Future from Karen Davies, Managing Director at OCIMF, and Gemma Griffin MBE, Vice President of Crewing at DFDS. They discussed the key issues affecting seafarers today and explored strategies for creating a better, more inclusive working environment for women at sea.
Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Security (pictured above), expressed his continued support for WISTA UK’s mission, said in this address:“ I was honoured to join the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association gala to support and celebrate the work they do to get more women into maritime.
“This Government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and increasing diversity and talent in the sector.
“That’s why we’re modernising training to improve not only the number of female mariners but also the experiences of women across the industry.”
The event concluded with a fundraising initiative led by Phil Parry, Chairman of Spinnaker on behalf of Maritime London, to support female seafarers and ensure that women at sea have the resources they need to succeed, highlighting the WISTA UK fundraising campaign to sponsor a female cadet.
WISTA UK extends its gratitude to its sponsors, ABS, OCIMF and Waves Group, for their generous support of this milestone fundraising event.
As the organisation enters its 51st year, WISTA UK remains dedicated to its mission of advancing gender equality, supporting diversity, and empowering women in the maritime industry.
The event took place at the Naval and Military Club at the heart of London’s West End.
For more information about WISTA UK, visit Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association, UK (wista-uk.net)
