(NEWS) A Way Forward - Conclusions from the WMU Empowering Women in the Maritime Community Conference

April

2019

A Way Forward - Conclusions from the WMU Empowering Women in the Maritime Community Conference

From 4-5 April, over 350 participants from more than 70 countries around the globe gathered at the World Maritime University (WMU) for the WMU Empowering Women in the Maritime Community Conference. The aim of the event was to address the gender gap in the maritime, oceans, ports, fishing and related industries. For full information about the event, click here.

A set of conclusions was the result of the two-day discussions reflecting the participants’ firm commitment to cooperate, coordinate and collaborate in the development and implementation of gender-responsive policies and related programmes in their respective sectors and areas of responsibility. The conclusions have been developed to serve as best practice guidance for all stakeholders committed to action focused on increasing gender balance across maritime and ocean industries.

“An important outcome of the WMU Empowering Women in the Maritime Community Conference is a set of conclusions that will impact the way forward to substantially increase the numbers of women in the maritime and ocean sector professions. We all have a part to play in achieving Goal 5 that is focused on gender equality. If we each choose at least one action to implement from the list of conclusions, we will be well on our way to affecting real change and progress towards achieving gender parity in the maritime and ocean fields,” stated Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU.

The key points of the conclusions include:

implementing gender-responsive policies
Updating data and statistics on women professionals in all sea-related activities
promoting role models
engaging with children in primary and secondary education to raise awareness of career opportunities in the industry
establishing mentoring programmes
securing priority funding for gender research
emphasizing gender equality as a business case
ensuring equal employment opportunities and equal pay for work of equal value

To read the conclusions in entirety, click here.

To access/download the Conference Report, click here.

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