At a September 2025 conference in Manila themed “No One Left Adrift: Seafarers at the Cross Currents of Commerce, Conflict and Change,” the IMO reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality in the maritime sector. The organization highlighted its strategic efforts — including gender-specific fellowships, advanced technical training for women from developing countries, and the establishment of eight Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs), as foundational to building inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace environments. The event concluded with the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being, reinforcing that maritime human rights must be universally upheld and that seafarers’ welfare is central to global supply chains and economic resilience.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How do gender-inclusive measures like WIMAs and targeted training improve retention, safety, and career progression for women seafarers, particularly in developing economies?
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https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pages/whatsnew-2318.aspx
