By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News – Maritime Section
“We’re not here to fill a quota. We’re here because this industry can’t afford to overlook half of its talent anymore.”
— Kitoko Mensah, Director, African Maritime Inclusion Alliance
A Global Call for Change
Ports around the world paused this weekend to recognize the International Day for Women in Maritime, marked on May 18, 2025. The event, launched by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), served as both celebration and call to action — spotlighting the quiet revolution of women moving from the margins to the helm of the global shipping industry.
London’s IMO headquarters became the symbolic epicenter of the movement. High-level panels, live-streamed across 40 countries, featured speakers from Singapore, Ghana, Norway, and Brazil. Each echoed a shared conviction: the future of maritime logistics must be built on inclusion — not tradition.
Numbers Tell the Story
The maritime workforce still skews heavily male, especially at sea, where women account for less than 2% of crew members worldwide. But change is visible onshore:
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In Southeast Asia, female-led logistics startups have grown by 38% in the past five years.
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In Northern Europe, women now hold 14% of executive roles in port authorities — up from just 5% a decade ago.
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A new IMO-funded study shows inclusive port teams are 22% more likely to adopt climate-smart technologies within three years.
New Leadership, New Models
Unveiled during the event was the Global Maritime Women’s Fellowship, a multi-partner initiative supported by Maersk, DP World, and the World Bank. Its goal: train and elevate 500 women into leadership roles across maritime sectors — from customs to container strategy — by 2028.
“There is no pipeline issue. There is a visibility issue,” stated Annika Løve, Chief Diversity Advisor at the Port of Rotterdam. “We need to stop looking for ‘exceptions’ and start recognizing the expertise that’s already there.”
Ports in Morocco, Chile, and Indonesia also announced local policy reforms, including:
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Dedicated housing units for women seafarers
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Safe transit protocols within port zones
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Inclusion of women in emergency response teams and pilotage boards
Toward Structural Equality
Despite positive momentum, structural barriers persist. Cultural norms, inadequate port facilities, and lack of maternity policies still exclude many women in emerging markets. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged member states to integrate gender accountability into all maritime legislation.
Yet there is optimism. As Kitoko Mensah concluded during her keynote, “Women in maritime are no longer breaking into the industry. They’re rebuilding it, on their terms.”
The Logistic News – Maritime Section
Our ongoing coverage highlights the people, policies, and partnerships driving gender equity in global shipping.
