Measuring the impact of women in the maritime domain

Second survey aims to promote gender diversity

Governments and industry are being urged to participate in the second Women in Maritime Survey to help gather important baseline data about women’s participation in the maritime and ocean fields.

Conducted every three years by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), the survey takes a global snapshot of how many women work in these sectors and in what roles. 

“Join me in championing diversity and fostering a barrier free workplace for all by completing the survey, which will allow for a more targeted use of resources and ensure that we are well placed to navigate the challenges that the future bring,” said IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez as he issued a worldwide call to governments, companies, organisations and academic institutions to participate.

The aim is to analyse trends and support the creation of programmes and policies to boost women’s participation in maritime. The previous study, published in 2021, highlighted a male-dominated sector, with women making up less than a third of the overall maritime workforce, and less than  two percent of seafarers.

“This survey is more than just a data collection effort. It is a strategic move towards the evolution of our industry. The insights gathered can be used to develop forward thinking policies that will elevate inclusion and diversity,” notes WISTA International President, Elpi Petraki.

The survey includes two streams – one for IMO member governments and one for industry, including companies, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, and private maritime training institutes or academies.

The survey runs from 2 September to 31 December 2024, with the final report to be published in May 2025.

Hospital ship arrives for humanitarian exercise Celebrating women in the South African maritime industry