International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 Pushes Shipping Industry toward Real Gender Equality Action
The global maritime industry is marking the International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 on 18 May with a renewed focus on transforming gender equality policies into real-world action across the shipping sector.
This year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” highlights the urgent need for practical measures that support women working both at sea and ashore , from seafarers and marine engineers to port professionals and maritime executives.
The annual observance, led by the International Maritime Organization, aims to strengthen diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the global shipping industry while encouraging maritime organizations to turn commitments into measurable progress.
Ahead of the event, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed that significant challenges still remain despite years of efforts to improve gender diversity in maritime professions.
He said the industry must carefully assess where progress is falling short and identify practical solutions capable of delivering long-term and meaningful change for women across the maritime workforce.
IMO to Host Global Gender Equality Event in London
On 18 May 2026, the IMO will host a special event at its headquarters in London focused on advancing gender equality in international shipping and maritime operations.
The event will explore why gender mainstreaming remains essential for the future of global maritime trade, shipping sustainability, workforce development, and operational excellence. Maritime experts, industry leaders, and gender equality advocates are expected to discuss strategies for turning policy commitments into real action.
The programme will open with remarks from Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and will feature discussions on best practices for increasing women’s participation across the maritime sector.
To expand global participation and amplify women’s voices in shipping, the event will also be livestreamed through the IMO’s official YouTube platform.
IMO Launches New Gender Mainstreaming Handbook
One of the key highlights of the 2026 observance will be the launch of the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming, developed by Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University.
The handbook is designed as a practical resource for maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, maritime academies, and training institutions seeking to integrate gender equality into policies, operations, and workplace culture.
Professor Kitada will also receive the prestigious 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award in recognition of her contributions to advancing inclusion and diversity in the maritime industry.
Read: IMO’s SENSREC Project Launches Three-Part Video Series Highlighting Women’s Role in Ship Recycling
The International Day for Women in Maritime continues to gain momentum globally as shipping companies, port authorities, maritime regulators, and logistics stakeholders increasingly recognize that gender equality is essential for innovation, sustainability, workforce resilience, and the long-term growth of the blue economy.
