# South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District ILA Women’s Conference Convenes in Jacksonville
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) launched its third bi-annual Women’s Maritime Conference in Jacksonville, Florida on March 5, drawing hundreds of female professionals from across the maritime sector. The multi-day gathering, branded as “ILA Women on the Waterfront,” provided a platform for attendees to engage in networking activities, professional development workshops, and leadership training initiatives tailored to the maritime industry.
The conference underscores the ILA’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s representation and advancement within the longshoreing and maritime workforce. Historically male-dominated, the industry has increasingly recognized the need to attract and retain female talent across operational, administrative, and leadership roles. The establishment of a dedicated bi-annual conference signals institutional support for professional development pathways and peer mentorship opportunities that have historically been less accessible to women working on the waterfront.
The recurring nature of the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District conference—now in its third iteration—suggests growing momentum in building a supportive professional community for women in maritime labor. As the industry continues grappling with workforce shortages and the need for operational modernization, cultivating inclusive workplace cultures and leadership pipelines becomes strategically important. The Jacksonville conference represents a tangible effort to strengthen retention and advancement prospects for female maritime professionals in one of North America’s busiest port regions.