2025 International Day for Women in Maritime: An ocean of opportunities

This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated annually on 18 May, will spotlight pathways for women’s leadership, participation and impact in the global ocean economy.  

Shipping carries more than 80% of global trade in goods and is essential to everyone on the planet. However, the sector remains male-dominated - women make up less than 20% of the maritime workforce onshore, with significantly lower participation at sea.   

To discuss how closing this gender gap could unlock growth and opportunities across the industry, the IMO is hosting a symposium in London on Friday, 16 May under the theme: ‘An Ocean of Opportunities for Women’. 

The event will bring together leading ocean and maritime figures from around the world to share insights and solutions that can shape policies and actions to promote women’s participation.  

Ahead of the symposium, which will be livestreamed on IMO’s Youtube Channel, Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said: “Our theme this year recognises the vast potential for inclusion, innovation and equality across the many different areas of work in the maritime world, from deck to boardroom, from ocean scientist to maritime administrator.” 

He emphasised that “education, mentorship, policy and culture will bring down the barriers that have hindered progress.”

The findings of the 2024 IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey will be announced during the event. The survey report includes key baseline data about women’s participation in the maritime and ocean fields, along with recommendations for action. The survey builds on the first report published in 2022, which indicated significant disparities between men and women in all levels of the maritime workforce, with great variations among individual sub-sectors. 

The IMO Gender Equality Award 2025 will also be presented to maritime entrepreneur Ms. Karin Orsel from the Netherlands during the event. The Award is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.    

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez invites everyone to engage in celebrations online, tagging someone who is making a difference for gender equality. On social media platforms, use the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay, tagging @IMOHQ on X; LinkedIn; Instagram; and Facebook. 

Separately, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica is organising a webinar on Monday May 19 at 10am (ET) and 4pm (BST) entitled ‘Women in Shipping: Ocean management – Obligation or Opportunity’, moderated by Sean Moloney, CEO of Elaborate Communications. For free registration visit www.maritimejamaica.com