The International Day for Women in Maritime, observed annually on May 18 and adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2021, serves as a global occasion to recognize women’s achievements, enhance their role in the maritime sector, and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The event also supports education and training for women in maritime and navigational fields. It promotes the preservation of marine natural resources to help shape a promising future for the sector and establish a sustainable marine environment.
Held in London under the theme ‘An Ocean of Opportunities for Women’ this year’s event brought together leading ocean and maritime figures from around the world to share insights and solutions that can shape policies and actions to promote women’s participation.
This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime spotlighted pathways for women’s leadership, participation and impact in the global ocean economy, IMO said.
Shipping carries more than 80% of global trade in goods and is essential to everyone on the planet. However, the sector remains male-dominated - women make up less than 20% of the maritime workforce onshore, with significantly lower participation at sea, IMO noted.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joined in celebrating this day, underscoring the pioneering and impactful role of Saudi women in the development of maritime transport regionally and internationally, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Through these efforts, the Kingdom seeks to establish a sustainable and inclusive marine environment and boost women's roles in the maritime industry, contributing to economic and social development. This is carried out in partnership with the IMO through the “IMOGENDER” initiative, which aims to achieve gender equality in the maritime sector, and the “IMOCARES” initiative, which empowers women by providing advanced technological opportunities for carbon reduction.
The Saudi Transport General Authority is working toward strategic goals to empower Saudi women in the maritime sector, support them in innovation and modern technologies, and ensure the preservation of marine resources, SPA added.
Saudi Arabia proudly recognizes its female role models in the maritime sector. In 2023, Hayat Al-Yabis became the first Saudi woman appointed as the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the IMO. In 2017, Wijdan Al-Suhaibani represented the Kingdom as the first President of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA). In 2024, Najla Al-Nuaimi became the first certified female maritime trainer in the Kingdom. Also, Reem Al-Khowaiter received the “Best Young Woman of the Year” award. (SPA; IMO; Photo © IMO)
