(NEWS) International Day for Women in Maritime

May

2022

International Day for Women in Maritime

A message from Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University (WMU)

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“I am pleased to mark the inaugural IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, 18 May 2022, with a message in support of maritime women globally. ‘Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment’, is well suited for the inaugural theme as it captures the essence of the challenges facing women in maritime professions today.

The promotion of gender equality is at the top of agendas worldwide, as gender disparities affect our entire planet. The gender and empowerment issue is so crucial that besides being a goal of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, it is also included in the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDGs) 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all women and girls.

IMO’s gender programme was initiated in 1988 and has evolved into the Women in Maritime Gender Programme, with redefined goals that go beyond expanding capabilities to supporting women through IMO´s maritime training institutions. IMO has taken a strategic approach towards enhancing the contribution of women as key maritime stakeholders and the 2019 World Maritime Day theme of ‘Empowering Women in the Maritime Community’ provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, and to highlight the global contribution of women to the maritime sector. In that same year, WMU hosted our third major women’s conference. The WMU Empowering Women in the Maritime Community Conference brought together over 350 participants from more than 70 countries. The conference report includes a set of conclusions that outline the way forward to substantially increase the numbers of women in the maritime and ocean sector professions. Key conclusions include promoting women role models, engaging with children in primary and secondary education to raise awareness of career opportunities in the industry for women, and securing priority funding for gender research.

As WMU continues to improve gender balance in maritime and ocean-related fields, female student representation at WMU has improved substantially from 3% in 1983 to a third of the intake in the MSc programme delivered in Malmö, Sweden, while the WMU MSc programmes delivered in Shanghai and Dalian, China, have already achieved milestones for gender parity. Through recruitment strategies and support from fellowship donors, the proportion of female students and faculty continues to increase. To date, there are 1,254 female graduates from WMU out of the overall 5,634 graduates from 171 countries and territories. Studying at WMU provides exceptional opportunities for women in maritime and ocean professions, thereby increasing the number of qualified women eligible for policy-making and senior practitioner positions in both developed and developing countries.

Women have assumed maritime leadership positions such as CEOs, bankers, lawyers, surveyors, and captains, yet we are still very far from providing and ensuring equal opportunities for all. COVID-19 could potentially slow progress on taking forward gender equality and women’s empowerment. As a result, WMU is relentlessly striving to enhance its resilience as a university and as a go to place for women and men.

At WMU, we know that education has a lasting impact on capacity building in the maritime and ocean industries and we will continue our important mission, no matter the challenges that may arise. The future is in all of our hands. We must all work together to be bold, innovate and ensure that there are equal opportunities for everyone because equality in the maritime industry is key to helping achieve a sustainable future for the industry as a whole.”
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About the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime

In 2021, the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 18 May as the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime. Beginning with the inaugural celebration in 2022, the day will be observed annually to celebrate women in the industry and to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained 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 work to address the current gender imbalance in maritime.

IMO Virtual Symposium

The IMO is hosting The virtual Symposium on “Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment for Women in Maritime” on Wednesday 18 May 2022 from 14:00 – 16:30 hrs, British Summer Time (BST). The symposium will highlight the need for women to be more visible and mainstreamed in the maritime community, on board ships and throughout the sector as a whole, and more widely in representation at decision-making levels. The symposium will also address skills development for women in the maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenureat WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions inthe maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures,including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held greatappeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practicalexperience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorousacademic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherentlydynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeplyconvinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute toenhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencingpositive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends inthe maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background,served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards