The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently took an active role in the Women’s International Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA) International Annual General Meeting and Conference, which took place in Barcelona, Spain, from October 20 to 24. This year, the conference centered around the theme “Powering the Future of Shipping & Trade: Global Energy in Challenging Times,” highlighting the critical focus on gender equality within the maritime sector.
Gender equality was a prominent discussion point, consistently underlined by the IMO’s ongoing partnership with WISTA International aimed at enhancing diversity and leadership opportunities in the maritime industry. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts among governments, shipowners, and innovators to facilitate the industry’s transition towards low-and zero-carbon fuels.
The conference featured engaging sessions, including a roundtable on Decarbonization that addressed its implications for the shipping, cruise, and energy sectors. Domínguez also participated in a fireside chat with Dorothea Ioanno, CEO of The American Club, fostering discussions around seafarer wellbeing, recruitment hurdles, criminalization challenges, and the promotion of gender equality—all vital for cultivating a robust maritime workforce.
During the session on the “IMO-WISTA International Partnership,” Louise Proctor, IMO Deputy Director for Planning and Programming, underscored the importance of data-driven strategies in shaping policies that support inclusivity and create leadership opportunities in maritime careers. Proctor stated that this partnership emphasizes actionable steps rather than mere awareness, aiming to create a wealth of opportunities for women in maritime.
Significant insights come from the second IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, which provides an essential dataset regarding women’s representation in both public and private maritime sectors. The survey revealed that women make up just under 19 percent of the total maritime workforce, an increase from 151,979 in 2021 to 176,820 in 2024. However, women account for only 16 percent of employees in the private sector (not including seafarers) and a mere 1 percent of seafarers, highlighting an urgent need for initiatives to address this gender gap. Additionally, only 5 percent of students pursuing maritime degrees are women, revealing a critical disconnect between academia and career pathways in seafaring.
Proctor encouraged increased engagement with future surveys to enhance data accuracy and address the gaps identified. The discussions and collaborative efforts at the conference foster optimism for a more inclusive maritime environment. Stakeholders are committed to tackling the challenges faced by women at sea and in maritime education, collectively aspiring toward a future where gender equality is fully realized throughout the maritime industry.