Industry leaders have acknowledged the imbalance of women in maritime and called for increased awareness and inclusivity to effect change. The International Day for Women in Maritime was celebrated at IMO headquarters in London with a symposium (16 May), under the theme: An Ocean of Opportunities for Women.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the event, highlighting the need to continue to push for diversity in maritime and to match commitments with action.
“The reality is that I’m worried [about the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2025 metrics and results]. In some areas we are stagnating, and in others, we are regressing,” he said.
Live Podcast: Challenges and opportunities for women
A live podcast, addressing visibility and the evolving experiences of women in the maritime sector, was moderated by Mr. Karanvir Singh Nayyar, Navy Officer & Filmmaker, and included Captain Josephine Clark, President of the Australasian Marine Pilots Institute and Ms. Mariam Al Shaikh, Deck Cadet, Bahri, Saudi Arabia.
Captain Josephine Clark highlighted some of her experiences when she first joined the maritime sector in 1989 as the third woman to be hired by her company, “I had relatively few unpleasant experiences,” she said, but highlighted that, “At that time, there was a lot of alcohol on board ships too” - which she felt ultimately threatened her personal safety and fostered a lack of respect.
Ms. Mariam Al Shaikh, Deck Cadet with Bahri Ship Management, shared a positive perspective, expressing her satisfaction with the support and treatment she received as a newcomer to the industry, joining her ship in February 2024. “I’m lucky that I didn't face any challenges or problems. My company implemented policies and provided privacy for me before I joined, preparing everything to make me comfortable. That is why I sailed for 10 months continuously.”
Both speakers highlighted the efforts the maritime industry is implementing to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women at sea. Whether policy changes to enhance onboard conditions or increased visibility of the maritime industry, both emphasized the importance of continued awareness, mentorship, and representation to ensure future generations of women feel empowered to pursue maritime careers.
Panel 1: Inclusion in ocean science and policy
The panellists discussed the need to include voices that are often left out of environmental decision making, “Combining women, youth, and indigenous knowledge from underrepresented countries together with sound science is the way forward and how we can protect our ocean and how we can protect our planet for future generations,” said Alannah Vellacott, Marine Ecologist, Science Communicator and Ocean Advocate.
Addressing both representation and retention, they emphasized that real climate solutions must be built on inclusive foundations.
“The problem to me isn’t about the female scientists coming in, it’s actually about the retention,” said Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Director of the Marine Institute School of Biological and Marine Sciences at the University of Plymouth.
Dr. Renis Auma Ojwala, Post-doctoral Research Associate at the World Maritime University, agreed - highlighting that she studied up to the Masters level in natural science, but after that she was unable to get a job, “Even if we have the degree and have the knowledge, we are not accepted in these fields just because of preconceptions,” she stated. “We need to have gender transformative policies that take into account the current systemic barriers that are hindering women from being accepted in these sectors.” The panel included Ms. Alannah Vellacott, Professor Richard Thompson, and Dr. Renis Auma Ojwala. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Karen McVeigh, Senior Reporter at The Guardian, United Kingdom.
Panel 2: Increasing and maintaining female involvement in maritime
The second panel emphasized the importance of not only accepting more women into the sector, but also creating the necessary structures needed to ensure they have the ability to thrive and lead.
“We have to create an environment that creates those hiring pipelines and talent development first,” stated Michelle Bentubo, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Voyages. “We have the platforms, we have the resources, and we have the desire to be able to put those programs in place.”
The conversation turned to the need for not only welcoming women into maritime careers but supporting them throughout. Nicole Fisher, Senior Lecturer on Deck Cadet Education at Warsash Maritime School, reminded women aspiring to pursue a career in maritime: “Just your presence on board is driving that change that we want to see.”
This panel, also moderated by Ms. McVeigh, included Ms. Nicole Fisher, Ms. Michelle Bentubo and Mr. Dominic Pattinson, Executive Secretary, OSPAR Commission.
IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime survey
As part of the programme, Ms. Louise Proctor, Deputy Director, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (IMO) and Mrs. Elpi Petraki, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International), presented the 2024 Women in Maritime Survey results.
2025 IMO Gender Equality Award
Following the panel discussions, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez presented Ms. Karin Orsel, nominated by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award. Read the press briefing here.