WMUWA Research Seminar on Ocean Governance
The WMU Women’s Association (WMUWA) held a research seminar on the evening of 20 August at the Henrik Smith student residence. The seminar focused on highlighting Ocean Governance research completed by female researchers in the maritime sector. The gathering included over 40 people with a nearly even split among male and female attendees.
Welcome remarks were made by Janelle Meloney, WMUWA President followed by opening remarks delivered via video by WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, who was on mission to China for the graduation of students in the WMU MSc programmes in Shanghai and Dalian. It was noted by the President that the Ocean Governance topic was timely as the IMO Council recently endorsed the Report on the Financial Sustainability of the WMU that included expansion of the University’s scope to include ocean-related matters as one of eight strategic directions. She further referred to the recent adoption by the UN member States on 2 August of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is expected to be adopted by Heads of State at the 69th UN General Assembly in September. She noted the particular relevance of the evening’s discussions to goal 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, Goal 7 “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” and Goal 14 “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” President Doumbia-Henry stated, “I want to congratulate the WMU Women’s Association for its foresight and proactive approach in hosting events of this kind and in encouraging women researchers to contribute to the building of knowledge and capacity thereby contributing to transforming Our World to make it ‘The World We Want’ for our and future generations of women and men.”
The evening continued with an interview by WMU Assistant Professor, Dr. Momoko Kitada, of WMU Vice President Academic, Professor Neil Bellefontaine regarding “How Can Research Help One’s Career?” and WMU Research Associate, Aditi Kataria, helped with facilitating the discussion and answering questions concerning research. Further presentations were made by special guests Dr. Lise Langaker, Associate Professor Hogskolen Stord/Haugesund (Norway) entitled “Glass Bulkheads in the Norwegian Maritime Industry,” and a presentation on “Maritime Security and Safety in the Mediterranean Sea” By Dr. Khanssa Lagdami, Professional Researcher and Expert in Law. Additional presentations were made by WMU Research Assistant Lilitha Pongolini regarding work on the Mona Lisa 2.0 project subactivity 1.7 regarding the “Possible Synergy Between Maritime Spatial Plan and Dynamic Shipping Routes,” WMU Research Intern Jennie Larsson regarding “Empowering Coastal Communities by Finding Alternative Pathways for Sustainable Transformation,” WMU Research Associate Dr. Gesa Pretorius presented “Increased Awareness for Maritime Human Factors Through e-learning in Crew-Centered Design,” and current student Simone Cunningham made a presentation about the importance of Maritime Education and Training in high schools. Aside from the presentations, the evening included opportunities for networking and roundtable discussions.
The WMUWA was founded by students in the Class of 2014, and this was the second research seminar held by the group. The first took place on 13 March in recognition of International Women’s Day and included the book launch of the WMU publication Maritime Women: Global Leadership that was based on the 2014 WMU conference of the same title.
A WMUWA research exhibition focused on female-led research supporting sustainable development in shipping will be on display in the WMU library until 31 August. It includes research papers and books published by female WMU faculty, researchers and students and include topics such as safety, security, law and policy, and gender.
