At ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress 2025 in Palma de Mallorca, the ICOMIA Diversity Committee met and launched a new resource for the recreational boating industry, Innovating Inclusion – Supporting Women in the Boating Industry.

Acknowledging a period of profound disruption and economic uncertainty, this compilation argues that now is the opportune moment to leverage diverse perspectives and foster greater innovation within the boating industry. While data, including Soundings Trade Only’s 2024 ‘Global Workforce Study’ and ICOMIA’s recent gender mapping survey, reveals significant underrepresentation of women, this collection, prepared by the ICOMIA Diversity Committee, offers a powerful response.

Featuring individuals and initiatives at the forefront of change, this resource highlights concrete efforts to dismantle barriers faced by women in the boating sector. From the impactful community building of Michele J. Goldsmith’s ‘Women in the Industry’ events and mentoring, to the vital work of Women in Boatbuilding (WIBB) and the strategic collaborations of The Magenta Project, these examples provide a roadmap for creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. This compendium is an inspiring guide for those seeking to build a stronger, more representative future for boating.