WIME Celebrates IMO on 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime

Mary Nnah

The Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards proudly joins the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the global maritime community in commemorating the International Day for Women in Maritime 2026, observed annually on May 18.

This year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” is both timely and significant as it emphasizes the urgent need to transform commitments on gender inclusion into visible and measurable action across the maritime industry.

Over the years, conversations around women’s participation in maritime have continued to gain global attention. However, the true measure of progress lies not only in policy formulation but in the practical implementation of initiatives that create opportunities for women to thrive in leadership, technical operations, administration, marine tourism, shipping, logistics, energy, blue economy development, and maritime governance.
Women have consistently demonstrated competence, resilience, innovation, and strategic leadership across the maritime and energy sectors. Their contributions continue to strengthen institutional growth, industry sustainability, and economic development globally. Yet, there remains a need for increased representation, mentorship, capacity building, equal opportunities, and access to leadership positions.

At WIME Awards, we strongly believe that recognition is a powerful tool for transformation. By celebrating excellence, inspiring visibility, and amplifying the achievements of women within the maritime and energy industries, we contribute toward building a more inclusive and progressive sector where talent and leadership are encouraged without limitations.

Addressing the media, the Trustee Board Chairperson of the Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards, Dr. Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, encouraged organizations and industry stakeholders to move beyond policy statements by fully implementing their gender, inclusion, and equity frameworks in line with the 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime theme: “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence.”

She emphasized that sustainable progress within the maritime and energy sectors can only be achieved when institutions intentionally create enabling environments that support equal opportunities, leadership development, mentorship, and professional advancement for women across all levels of the industry.

Dr. Anyika further noted that translating policies into measurable action remains critical to building a more inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive maritime sector.

As an organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and industry advancement, WIME Awards aligns with the IMO’s vision of fostering diversity and inclusion as drivers of maritime excellence. We remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between policy and practical outcomes for women across the industry.

This celebration is therefore not only a recognition of achievements but also a renewed call to action for governments, institutions, industry stakeholders, and professional bodies to invest intentionally in creating enabling environments where women can participate, lead, innovate, and excel.

As we celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime 2026, WIME Awards reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting the next generation of women leaders who will shape the future of the maritime and energy sectors.

Together, we move from policy to practice in advancing gender equality for maritime excellence.