IMO on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed on 8 March each year, called for action to close the gender data gap in the maritime industry and secure a more inclusive future for women in the sector.
During a special event held at IMO Headquarters in London in 7 March, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the role of institutions and allies in tackling gender data bias, including through effective policies and practices.
Arsenio Dominguez commented that “there is a lot more that institutions can do in bringing down the barriers and continue to highlight our role in gender equality. This is not a process that should be led by women without men participation.”
We are here to support women’s rights within organizations and in the global shipping sector – to be mentors, to give women a voice, to support and advocate for women’s leadership.
…said Dominguez.
Furthermore, writer, broadcaster and feminist activist Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women, delivered a keynote speech, tracing her journey from scepticism to activism.
Sharing examples from her research, she explained how deeply embedded gender bias is in data: “The male body is often positioned as the ‘default,’ while the female body is seen as needing explanation, as atypical. This bias is deeply embedded across history, from language to medical research to protective equipment design.”
In addition, Perez advocated for systemic change to address women’s needs. Collating disaggregated data in all sectors can provide a baseline to support decision-making and further action.
You can have all the data in the world, but if you are not considering it from a sex and gender perspective, you are going to miss really important insights.
…said Perez.
The event aligned with the UN’s International Women’s Day actions which this year focused on the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
The upcoming results of the 2024 Women in Maritime survey in May 2025 will provide valuable insights into fostering inclusivity. Additionally, the long-standing IMO’s gender programme, established in 1988, continues to drive progress and support women in achieving representation.
According to IMO’s statement, gender equality and diversity are key priorities in the Secretary-General’s agenda, who is committed to only participating in panels with gender-balanced representation and has urged continued efforts to create an equitable and inclusive maritime industry.
