Professor Momoko Kitada, Nippon Foundation Professorial Chair in Gender and Innovation and Head of Maritime Education and Training at the World Maritime University (WMU), has been selected by the IMO Council to receive the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award following her nomination by Japan.
The award, which recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality in the maritime sector, will be presented in May 2026 during the International Day for Women in Maritime celebrations.
The Council highlighted Professor Kitada’s global influence, noting that her work at WMU in Malmö has inspired generations of maritime professionals and translated into tangible policy and institutional progress worldwide.
Her research, teaching and leadership in gender and diversity have driven meaningful change across academia, industry and government.
A former seafarer with a PhD in Social Science from Cardiff University, she joined WMU in 2011 and now serves as full Professor, coordinating programmes in maritime education, energy management, decarbonisation and capacity building.
She also leads WMU’s collaboration with IMO on integrating women into the maritime sector and is certified in gender auditing and impact evaluation.
Alongside the main award, the Council agreed to issue Letters of Commendation to nominees from Brazil, Greece, the Philippines and the Cruise Lines International Association, recognising achievements ranging from promoting diversity in offshore operations to pioneering women’s leadership in coast guard services and expanding female representation in technical and maritime roles.
The IMO Gender Equality Award honours individuals of any gender who demonstrate outstanding commitment to empowering women in maritime.
Nominations for the 2026 award were reviewed by an Assessment Panel chaired by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and comprising representatives of IMO Member States, the IMOGENder Network, ITF, WISTA International, CLIA and the Chair of the Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee.
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