Dear CSN readers good morning,

and welcome to this very special event in celebration of International Maritime Women’s Day — a day dedicated not only to recognising the achievements of women in the maritime industry, but also to reflecting on the work still needed to create a more equal, inclusive, and progressive sector.

Today, we are joined by five exceptional women — each of whom has carved her own path, overcome significant challenges, and inspired many along the way. They come from different corners of the maritime world — from policy and leadership to operations, technology, insurance, and energy — but what unites them is a shared commitment to progress, empowerment, and meaningful change.

It is worth noting that all our panelists have served as Presidents of WISTA Cyprus with the only exception of Shipping Deputy Minister — an organisation at the forefront of promoting women in shipping — and with Anna Pitalis, who is currently serving as President and carrying the torch forward with energy and vision.

Allow me to introduce them:

• Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus
• Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Co-CEO of Tototheo Global, former President of WISTA International and the first recipient of the IMO Gender Equality Award
• Anna Vourgos, Director of Aphentrica Marine Insurance Brokers and former President of WISTA Cyprus
• Natalia Bury Loyal, Chief Operations Officer at Tototheo Global and former President of WISTA Cyprus
• And last but not least Anna Pitalis, Commercial Director, Head of Shipping & Trading – Intergaz Ltd and current President of WISTA Cyprus.

Throughout this panel, we’ll dive into their personal journeys, pivotal moments, and the ways in which they have each challenged the status quo. We’ll also hear their insights on what it takes to lead, to empower others, and to envision a maritime industry where gender is no longer a barrier — but simply a part of the story.

So without further delay, let’s begin the conversation.

Marina Hadjimanolis

1. During your tenure as Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus, what was the greatest resistance you faced when trying to promote gender equality in the maritime sector?
2. If you could change one thing in the shipping industry to make it more inclusive for women, what would it be?
3. What was the toughest lesson you learned throughout your journey, and how has it shaped you as a leader?
4. How has your involvement with WISTA Cyprus influenced your efforts to promote gender equality in the maritime sector?

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou

1. As a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, was there a particular moment when you truly felt you earned the respect of your peers?
2. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
3. When you began your career, did you ever imagine receiving an award from the IMO for promoting gender equality? What does this recognition mean to you personally?
4. How has your involvement with WISTA Cyprus influenced your efforts to promote gender equality in the maritime sector?

Anna Vourgos

1. Marine insurance is a highly specialized field. What has been the biggest challenge you faced as a woman professional in this area?
2. You’ve managed several crises throughout your career. Was there one in particular that left a lasting impact on you professionally?
3. As a Board Member of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, do you see a genuine shift in how the industry embraces female leadership?
4. How has your involvement with WISTA Cyprus influenced your efforts to promote gender equality in the maritime sector?

Natalia Bury Loyal

1. You oversee operations in a tech-driven company within a traditionally male-dominated sector. What was the biggest barrier you’ve had to overcome in this role?
2. Do you believe digital transformation in shipping is opening new doors for women in the field?
3. What moment in your career made you feel that you had truly “made it”?
4. How has your involvement with WISTA Cyprus influenced your efforts to promote gender equality in the maritime sector?

Anna Pitalis

1. What are some of the key challenges faced by women working in the energy sector, especially when it intersects with maritime?
2. Was there a moment in your career when you felt you had to prove your worth twice over because of your gender? How did you handle it?
3. As the current President of WISTA Cyprus, what legacy do you hope to leave through your term?
4. How has your involvement with WISTA Cyprus influenced your efforts to promote gender equality in the maritime sector?