The Women in Maritime Association Europe (WIMA Europe) has been officially launched in Batumi, Georgia, marking an important milestone in efforts to strengthen the participation, visibility and leadership of women across the maritime sector in Europe.
The launch event (24 June) brought together representatives from government, industry, academia and international organizations to celebrate the establishment of the new regional association and to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing women in maritime professions.
During the event, representatives of WIMA Europe outlined the association’s vision, mission and strategic priorities, highlighting the importance of collaboration, professional development, networking and advocacy in supporting women working across all areas of the maritime industry.
The event was supported by the Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Georgia, whose partnership has been instrumental in the establishment of WIMA Europe. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening gender equality, expanding opportunities for women and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable maritime sector.
A panel discussion on “Women in Maritime: Roles, Challenges and Opportunities” explored issues including workforce development, gender equality, leadership, innovation and the future of maritime careers. The discussion brought together experts from the maritime administration, academia, shipping, ports and logistics, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available within the maritime sector.
IMO's commitment to women in maritime
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) supported the launch and participated in the event as part of its long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women in maritime through capacity development, networking and leadership initiatives.
The launch of WIMA Europe strengthens the global network of regional Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs), which provide platforms for collaboration, mentoring, professional development and knowledge-sharing. As the ninth regional WIMA established under the IMO umbrella, WIMA Europe joins a growing global community working to increase the participation, visibility and leadership of women across the maritime sector.
Women in Maritime Associations play a key role in supporting IMO’s efforts to promote a more diverse, inclusive and equitable maritime sector. By connecting professionals across different maritime disciplines and countries, these networks help strengthen regional cooperation, increase the visibility of women’s contributions and encourage the next generation of maritime leaders.
The launch concluded with a networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to establish new professional connections and identify areas for future collaboration.
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