The International Maritime Organization (IMO) actively participated in the Women’s International Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA) International Annual General Meeting and Conference, held in Barcelona, Spain from October 20 to 24. This year’s theme, “Powering the Future of Shipping & Trade: Global Energy in Challenging Times,” underscored the importance of gender equality within the maritime sector.
Gender equality has emerged as a significant theme throughout the conference, aligning with IMO’s ongoing collaboration with WISTA International to bolster diversity and leadership opportunities within the maritime industry. The importance of community and cooperative efforts among governments, shipowners, and innovators to facilitate the industry’s transition to low-and zero-carbon fuels was emphasized by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez.
In addition to engaging in a stimulating roundtable on Decarbonization, which examined its impacts on shipping, cruise, and energy industries, Domínguez participated in a closing fireside chat with Dorothea Ioanno, CEO of The American Club. Discussions also included vital topics such as seafarer wellbeing, criminalization, recruitment challenges, and promoting gender equality, all crucial for a thriving maritime workforce.
During a session on the “IMO-WISTA International Partnership,” IMO Deputy Director for Planning and Programming, Louise Proctor, highlighted the necessity of data-driven initiatives for formulating policies that advance inclusivity and support leadership opportunities in maritime careers. Proctor asserted, “This partnership is about action, not just awareness. Together, we are building an ocean of opportunity for women in maritime.”
Progress is evident from the second IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, which offers the first extensive dataset on women’s participation in both public and private maritime sectors. As reported, women currently represent just under 19 percent of the total maritime workforce, which has increased from 151,979 in 2021 to 176,820 in 2024. While women comprise 19 percent of national maritime authorities’ workforce, they represent only 16 percent in the private sector (excluding seafarers). Alarmingly, women occupy merely 1 percent of seafarer roles among respondents, indicating an urgent need for initiatives to address gender disparity in this area.
Moreover, with only 5 percent of students pursuing maritime degrees being women, it highlights a significant gap between academia and employment for women in seafaring careers. Proctor encouraged widespread participation in future surveys to ensure an accurate dataset that captures progress and identifies gaps, emphasizing the significance of tailored initiatives based on real-world data.
Through the collaborative efforts showcased at the conference, hopes for creating a more inclusive maritime environment are strengthened. Stakeholders remain committed to confronting challenges faced by women at sea and in maritime education, paving the way for a brighter future where gender equality is not just a vision but a reality in the maritime industry.