The IMO Assembly has adopted a resolution proclaiming an International Day for Women in Maritime, to be observed on 18 May every year. The Assembly is meeting for its 32nd session from 6-15 December.
The observance will celebrate women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, raise the profile of women in maritime, strengthen IMO's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and support work to address the current gender imbalance in maritime, according to IMO's release.
The resolution invites IMO Member States, the maritime industry, and all others in the maritime endeavour to promote and celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime in an appropriate and meaningful manner.
The proposal to establish an International Day for Women in Maritime was approved by IMO's Technical Cooperation Committee (TC) in September 2021 and subsequently endorsed by the IMO Council in November 2021.