International Day for Women in Maritime 2026: Mainstreaming gender equality in shipping

This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime  today (18 May) focuses on embedding gender equality at every level of the maritime industry, both on shore and at sea. 

Under the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence’, the day highlights actions to translate international ambitions and commitments into tangible actions that will make a difference in the lives of women in the sector, from seafarers to shore side professionals.

Ahead of the International Day for Women in Maritime, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said: “Despite our longstanding commitment to fostering gender diversity across the maritime sector, persistent challenges remain. It is time to reflect deeply and ask, where are we falling short, and what practical measures can we implement to move beyond rhetoric and achieve meaningful, lasting change?”

Today, the IMO is hosting a special event at its HQ in London, exploring why gender mainstreaming matters and the challenges that remain across the maritime sector.

The in-person event, with full interpretation, will be livestreamed on IMO’s YouTube channel, to further amplify women’s voices.

The event will be opened by Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and features a variety of maritime experts and advocates sharing their perspectives on best practices in turning commitment into action. A highlight of the event will be the launch of the ‘Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming’, by Professor Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University. 

The Handbook will serve as practical resource designed to support maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, and maritime training institutions in integrating gender perspectives into their policies, procedures, and operations. 

Professor Kitada will also be presented with the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award.

The global maritime community is encouraged to be part of the conversation on social media by sharing stories about what women in maritime are achieving and using the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay, tagging @IMOHQ on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram,and Facebook.