“To all the women in maritime: your contributions are vital, your voices are heard, and your achievements inspire us all. Together, we can harness the nation’s blue economy to build a more sustainable and prosperous maritime industry that benefits us all. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to a more inclusive maritime community,” the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, told women groups in the maritime sector during an event organised on Saturday 18th March to commemorate the 2024 International Day for Women in Maritime.
Women groups that participated in the event with the theme “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety” included the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Women in Maritime (WIMA), Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), and Women in Maritime West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), among others.
The International Day for Women in Maritime is a significant day established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of women across various segments of the maritime industry.
Mobereola, who was represented by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, informed the audience, comprising various women’s groups in the maritime industry, that the agency appreciates the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
“Let me seize this opportunity to recognize and applaud the incredible achievements of women in maritime. From seafarers and ship captains to engineers and port operators, as well as maritime professionals and trailblazers, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the maritime industry and driving innovation and progress. Their dedication, resilience, and expertise have not only enriched our industry but also inspire a future generation of women to pursue careers in maritime,” the NIMASA chief said.
Earlier in her presentation, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, Olamide Odusanya, expressed appreciation to IMO for creating an inclusive and supportive environment to recognize women in maritime.
“It is clear the pivotal role of women in the maritime industry. Closing the gender gap, which is the SDG 5 – Gender Equality, has been an internal quest of women folks since the industrial revolution, and while significant achievement has been made, we still have a long way towards achieving relative parity.
A paper presented by Gloria Anyasodo on “Emerging Trends: Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety and Opportunities for Women” emphasised that safety transcends gender. She said women must cultivate competence through proper education, expertise, and mutual support to uplift one another.
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