The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a resolution declaring May 18 as International Day for Women in Maritime.
The Assembly gathered for its 32nd session from the 6th to the 15th of December.
The event is intended to promote the recruitment, retention, and long-term employment of women in the maritime sector, raise the profile of women in maritime, strengthen IMO’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality), and support efforts to address the industry’s current gender imbalance.
The resolution calls on IMO Member States, the maritime sector, and everyone else involved in the maritime endeavour to promote and commemorate the International Day for Women in Maritime in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
Kitack Lim, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, stated: “This day for women in the maritime sector will contribute to the achievement of SDG 5 on gender equality. It is a fantastic follow-up to the Assembly resolution approved in 2019 and the 2019 subject of empowering women in maritime. I am glad that the Member States have joined the call for a barrier-free environment for women, so that all women can fully participate in the maritime community’s activities, including seafaring and shipbuilding, in a safe and unhindered manner.”
The IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee (TC) adopted the idea to establish an International Day for Women in Maritime in September 2021, and the IMO Council endorsed it in November 2021.
Here’s where you can learn more about the IMO’s Women in Maritime Program.
The 2019 IMO Assembly resolution on creating a barrier-free environment for women in the maritime sector may be found here.