Women in Maritime - Training

IMO gender-specific fellowships

IMO/WMU/WISTA Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course

Women in the maritime sector often face barriers to advancing into leadership and decision-making roles. These challenges can arise from limited access to leadership opportunities, a lack of role models, and restricted access to professional networks, training, and other resources. To address these challenges, IMO, in collaboration with the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), has tasked the World Maritime University (WMU) with delivering the Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course.

The course aims to strengthen high-level leadership and strategic management capacities among mid-career professionals in the maritime sector, with a particular emphasis on promoting gender equality and inclusive leadership in decision-making roles. It is designed primarily for professionals working in the public sector across maritime domains, including maritime administrations, port authorities, coast guards, and maritime education and training institutions.

The course will be delivered in a hybrid format, consisting of three stages:

Stage A (Online): 2–4 June 2026
Stage B (In Person – Malmö, Sweden): 22–26 June 2026
Stage C (Online): 7–8 July 2026

The training will include interactive lectures, workshops, case studies and group exercises focusing on topics such as leadership, strategic thinking, project design and management, team-building, communication, public speaking, mentoring and career development.

A limited number of IMO fellowships are available for eligible women candidates from developing countries. In addition, self-sponsored participants are also welcome to apply.

More information on the course, including application procedures, can be found in Circular Letter No.5119.pdf. Applications must be submitted through the WMU application portal no later than 13 March 2026.

Supporting women at IMO's global maritime training institutions 

World Maritime University (WMU) 

(WMU in Malmö, Sweden is a postgraduate maritime university established under the auspices of IMO in 1983. WMU is committed to the advancement of women in the maritime sector. In 2018, the Award for the 1000th female graduate was made to Ms. Naandem Rita Njin from Nigeria. By 2018, 1,029 females had graduated from the University, out of a total 4,919 graduates. The number of female graduates has increased steadily over the years - from four in 1985 to 79 in 2018. 

The WMU Women's Association (WMUWA) aims to establish a network of past, current and prospective female students by expanding international networks with other organizations worldwide while planning for future growth. Through this Association, IMO funds one female to attend WMU each year. Website: http://wmuwa.wmu.se/ 

IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) 

The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), in Valletta, Malta, was founded by IMO in 1988. IMLI trains experts in international maritime law. IMLI was the first UN body to include in its Statute a requirement that 50% of its places be reserved for women. 

Read more about IMO's global maritime training institutions here: http://www.imo.org/en/About/Pages/WMUandIMLI.aspx