Advancing gender equality for maritime excellence is at the core of the IMO mission.

The International Day for Women in Maritime is celebrated every year on 18 May. 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.

 Persistent challenges remain

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

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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 a 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.

Professor Momoko Kitada, Nippon Foundation Professorial Chair in Gender and Innovation; Head, Maritime Education & Training at the World Maritime University (WMU), has been selected to receive the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award, following her nomination by Japan.  

The Award is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.  The IMO Council endorsed Professor Kitada as the recipient during its 135th session held in London (20-21 November 2025), to receive the award in May 2026, alongside celebrations for the International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May). 

On 18 May every year, following resolution A.1170(32)

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

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.

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