To start, it is very important to make special mention of all seafarers working at sea or on the coast on this World Maritime Day. We want to thank you for the safety that you bring to our seas and oceans. Speaking of the sea, I would like to have you travel. Let’s discover where women stand in the world-wide marine environment.

First stop: Colombia. Do you know Mark O’Neil? He is the president of a ship management company in Colombia. With the support of (International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), he managed to build a campaign for women’s equality in the marine environment: Empowering Women in the Maritime Community. This company hires more than 100 women a year. Subsequently, Colombia launched the “CSM TogetHER Initiative” on International Women’s Day.

“In Colombia, we recognize the specific skills of each person and aim to give them the opportunity of applying their skills in a diverse and supportive environment.”

Nigeria. It’s a bit further, but let’s talk about it. The President’s wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, embarked on a campaign promoting women’s participation in the maritime sector. The President believes that the country should have gender equality and that everyone, according to tasks assigned, should enjoy the same salary.

“The President’s wife wants to see more women play an active role in the marine and other industries.”

Let’s change continents: Malaysia. This country is putting a lot of effort into placing women in the maritime sector. The Minister of Transport is fighting for better working conditions for sailors in Malaysia, but also for those around the world. He wants to implement safe and favorable working conditions.

“This is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, ‘SDG5’. Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls in Malaysia, as a Member State of the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization, means actively strengthening the role of people at sea and the participation of women in the maritime sector,” said Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport.

Canada. The best for last. The World Maritime University will conduct research on women’s empowerment in the marine research sector. The project, entitled “Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade for Oceanic Science and Sustainable Development,” was announced by the President of the World Maritime University, Ms. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, and by Dr. Béchard of the Government of Canada. It is supported by the Government of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and will examine gender equality and women’s empowerment in the area of ​​ocean science research, with special attention paid to ocean science, hydrography, fisheries, and the broad impact of climate change on the sea.

“Women’s economic empowerment is crucial for global economic growth,” says Joanna Rotenberg, BMO (Bank of Montreal) team leader for wealth management.

In short, we want to recognize you, the women, who bring – yes — change in the economy, but also in so many other professional spheres. We want to congratulate you on your advancement. We know that your work is not finished. Your union is here to accompany you in the war against sexism and injustice so that you may take your place, as is right, in the maritime sector.