This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May) focuses on embedding gender equality at every level of the maritime industry, both on shore and at sea.

Under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence”, the day highlights actions to translate international ambitions and commitments into tangible actions that will make a difference in the lives of women in the sector, from seafarers to shore side professionals.

Ahead of the International Day for Women in Maritime, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said:

“Despite our longstanding commitment to fostering gender diversity across the maritime sector, persistent challenges remain. It is time to reflect deeply and ask, where are we falling short, and what practical measures can we implement to move beyond rhetoric and achieve meaningful, lasting change?”

IMO event on advancing gender equality in shipping

On 18 May 2026, the International Maritime Organization hosts a special event at IMO Headquarters in London, exploring why gender mainstreaming matters and the challenges that remain across the maritime sector.

The in-person event, with full interpretation, will be livestreamed on IMO’s YouTube channel, to further amplify women’s voices.

The event will be opened by Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and features a variety of maritime experts and advocates sharing their perspectives on best practices in turning commitment into action.

IMO Gender Equality Award and launch of the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming

A highlight of the event will be the launch of the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming, by Professor Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University.

The Handbook will serve as practical resource designed to support maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, and maritime training institutions in integrating gender perspectives into their policies, procedures, and operations.

Professor Kitada will also be presented with the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award.

Join the conversation

The global maritime community is encouraged to be part of the conversation on social media by sharing stories about what women in maritime are achieving and using the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay, tagging @IMOHQ on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram,and Facebook.

Watch and share to celebrate #WomenInMaritime!

Full programme

ID4WIM – From policy to practice: Advancing gender equality for maritime excellence

Click here to register

16.00 – 16.30 Registration

16.30 – 16.35 Opening: Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, IMO

16.35 – 16.50 Expert perspective: “Why Gender Mainstreaming Matters: Challenges and Gaps in the Maritime Sector”

• Moderator: Atty. Sharon De Chavez-Aledo Maritime Attaché, Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the IMO, Chair of HTW Sub-Committee & Co-Chair IMOGENder
• Speaker: Professor Anna Petrig, University of Basel

16.50 – 17.00 Launch of Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming – Professor Momoko Kitada, World Maritime University (WMU)

17:00 – 17.15 Expert perspective: “From Commitment to Action: Best Practices in Gender Mainstreaming”

• Moderator: Atty. Sharon De Chavez-Aledo
• Speaker: Mia Krogslund Jørgensen, Vice President and Head of People, Culture & Strategy, Hafnia

17.15 – 17.30 IMO Gender Equality Award Ceremony

• The 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award will be presented to Professor Momoko Kitada

17.30 – 20.30 Reception

Background

The International Day for Women in Maritime is observed globally on 18 May every year, following resolution A.1170(32) adopted by the IMO Assembly. The day celebrates women in the industry and promotes their recruitment, retention, and sustained employment in the maritime sector, while supporting IMO’s commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

IMO’s Women in Maritime programme has, since 1988, supported women into the sector through a three-pronged approach of training, visibility, and recognition. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented across the maritime sector: women make up less than 20% of the onshore maritime workforce and less than 2% of seafarers globally.