International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s World Maritime theme for 2019 – “Empowering women in the Maritime Community” has featured prominently in events at the London International Shipping Week (9-13 September).
A seminar co-hosted by Inmarsat and WISTA international (10 September) explored the theme of Diversity and Digitization in the Shipping Industry.
Opening the event, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said, “If the fundamental nature of work is changing, this is the perfect time to re-examine and re-assess traditional roles and expectations in the workforce – and that means embracing diversity, and equality.” He stressed that promoting gender equality in shipping was important not only for its own sake, but also for the practical reality that shipping must draw talent from every corner of the globe and every sector of the population to secure its own sustainability.
IMO has been running a highly successful programme to promote women in the maritime community for more than 30 years. With IMO's help, seven regional Women in Maritime Associations have been established, covering more than 150 countries and dependent territories.
IMO provides gender-specific fellowships and scholarships, both at its own maritime education establishments – the International Maritime Law Institute and the World Maritime University – and at others, too.
This year, to help celebrate the World Maritime theme, IMO is undertaking a range of initiatives and events, such as panel discussions, a social media campaign and has launched a new film – Turning the Tide.