by Isabella A. Jones, The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) held its second International Day for Women in Shipping, on 18 May 2023.
The IMO highlighted the importance of collaboration and networking in achieving gender equality in the maritime sector. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Limsaid: “It is indeed a known fact that women are working in all facets of the maritime sector across the globe, onshore and at sea”. Additionally, women and girls make up half of the population across our global shipping community, nonetheless, only 1.2% of seafarers are women, which clearly indicates that there is still a significant gender imbalance in the maritime sector. The establishment of WIMAS, was predominately for networking, and paving the way to support women in maritime globally, for gender equality.
Therefore, balancing equality requires the full integration of qualified professional women and the opportunity to have a seat at the table where decisions are being made. Thus, demonstrating inclusiveness and gender equality which is pivotal to turning the tide and accelerating change.
The exceptional and dedicated professional panellists and regional leaders from WISTA, WIMOWCA, AWIMA, WOMESA, PACWIMA, WIMA, WIMAC, NPWMP-WCA, and MAMLA, consisted of a plethora of phenomenal women who eloquently articulated the importance of education, mentorships, value, attracting and encouraging young girls to the maritime sector, and fundamentally ensuring that opportunities are available. The Executive Director of White Ribbon brought equilibrium to the conversation with a passionate insight on inequality and prelected on men as allies for gender equality. I eulogize these speakers for their unwavering efforts to recognize women in shipping in their respective regions and please do not relent, continue to be the change you want to see and accelerate that change.
I adopt the sentiments “We cannot be what we cannot see” and “Women in Shipping Can!”.
