Removing barriers to women joining the maritime sector, as well as the importance of education and how to increase visibility of women in maritime leadership roles, were some of the key challenges under the spotlight at a major symposium at IMO Headquarters in London, on 19 February.
The event, organised by the Republic of Korea and IMO and support from Mexico, Georgia, Canada and South Africa, comes to join several efforts by IMO to maintain momentum in empowering women in the maritime community.
For instance, it follows the 2019 IMO Assembly resolution to preserve the legacy of the 2019 World Maritime Theme and work towards a barrier-free environment for women throughout the maritime sector.
It also reflected the 2020 World Maritime theme – sustainable shipping for sustainable planet – by focusing on the fifth Sustainable Development Goal, gender equality.
“I Am Onboard for gender equality” was also the theme for Day of the Seafarer 2019 on 25 June 2019.
Professor Dr. Helen Thanopoulou, Head of Operations Management of Shipping Companies at the University of the Aegean of Greece; Ms. Sanchez Porras, Director General of the Mexican Trust for Training and Education of Merchant Marine Personnel; and Professor Dr. So-hyun Jo of the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, were three specialists on the subject.
See also:
- She of the Sea: Working for gender diversity in yachting industry
- Women in Science Day reminds us the need of women in workforce
