Maritime industry urged by IMO to invest in women for transition to future skills

The rise of digitalization and automation as well as green technology in the maritime sector will require new skills and potentially signal new career opportunities for women, says the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Speaking at an international event in London to mark IMO's Women in Maritime Day and its theme: Shaping the future of maritime safety, IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said: 'We must – and will – do more. By investing in women's education and professional development, we empower women, drive innovation and foster sustainability within the maritime industry, to the benefit of all.

'Change is both necessary and coming… With an increase in trade and the transition towards a greener and more sustainable sector, the opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusion are in front of us. I want you all to look at how you can drive understanding, awareness and change within your own organizations.'

IMO's Women in Maritime programme, initiated 1988, takes a three-pronged approach of 'training-visibility-recognition' for women. 

The programme supports gender equality and the empowerment of women through gender specific fellowships; access to high-level technical training for women; support for career development opportunities in maritime administrations, ports and maritime training institutes; and by facilitating the establishment of professional women in maritime associations, particularly in developing countries. 

IMO is also committed to helping its Member States achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.