\u200bIMO and WMU launch handbook on gender mainstreaming in the maritime sector<\/p>\n
The World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have released a new Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, calling for action to address persistent gender inequality across the global maritime industry.<\/p>\n
The handbook, authored by WMU Professor Momoko Kitada, was launched on the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May. Professor Kitada is also the recipient of the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award.<\/p>\n
The publication is the first of its kind, aimed at closing the gender gap in the maritime sector, where women account for just 1% of the world\u2019s seafaring workforce and hold only 19% of ministerial roles responsible for maritime affairs.<\/p>\n
\u200bThe new handbook was launched as part of an event held at IMO headquarters in London to mark the International Day for Women in Maritime 2026.<\/p>\n
The handbook provides practical guidance for maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, shipyards and maritime education institutions on how to integrate gender considerations into policies, recruitment, training, workplace safety and leadership development.<\/p>\n
It includes tools tailored to maritime organizations for gender analysis, the development of gender equality action plans, and monitoring and evaluation.<\/p>\n
Presenting the handbook, Professor Kitada emphasized that gender mainstreaming is an effective strategy, process and methodology which works for everyone\u2019s benefit:<\/p>\n
\u201cGender mainstreaming requires leadership to implement. No matter our role or level in an organization, we can exercise gender mainstreaming in both large and small capacities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moving beyond rhetoric<\/p>\n
In the foreword, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the industry must move \u201cbeyond rhetoric and toward measurable action,\u201d adding that a more diverse maritime workforce is more competent, safer and more sustainable.<\/p>\n
He stated: \u201cGender mainstreaming is the strategic tool we must employ to bridge this gap. It is not a secondary objective or a \u2018women\u2019s issue\u2019; it is a globally recognized methodology used to ensure that every policy, every regulation, and every operational practice is scrutinized through a gender lens.\u201d<\/p>\n
WMU President Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. said in the preface that the handbook was designed to serve as \u201ca roadmap to definitive change,\u201d helping organizations implement practical measures to create more equitable workplaces.<\/p>\n
He noted that WMU itself had reached gender parity in its Malm\u00f6 MSc intake for 2025 after decades of targeted efforts to increase opportunities for women in maritime education.<\/p>\n
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