In a sector long dominated by men, Panamanian women are breaking barriers, shattering paradigms, and proving that their talent is indispensable for the future of the maritime and port industry. This was the message delivered by Tomás Douglas, Advisor to the Directorate of Ports and Maritime Industries of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), during his address at the XLVII Central American Isthmus Port Meeting (REPICA 2025), held as part of World Maritime Day.
Douglas presented the keynote “Progress in the Development of Women in Panama's Port Sector,” emphasizing that “Panamanian women are forging their path and demonstrating that their talent is essential for the country's port future.”
Panama stands out as a regional leader when it comes to women's participation in maritime authorities. While the regional average of female workforce participation is 19% and steadily growing, the PMA boasts 45.9%, with 272 women in key roles. Of these, 21% hold managerial positions. The Panama Canal also showcases significant female representation, with women making up around 30% of its workforce, particularly in technical fields.
Douglas also highlighted female leadership across the region's ports: Peru (65.2%), Guatemala (40.4%), Mexico (47.4%), Costa Rica (43.8%), Brazil (53%), and Uruguay, one of the highest in the region, at 57.3%. In Colombia, Cartagena and Buenaventura report 51.7%.
Trailblazers Paving the Way
The advisor celebrated the achievements of pioneering women who have left their mark on the sector, including Liduvina Joseph, the first female container crane operator at Manzanillo Terminal; María Rodríguez, Operations Manager; and leaders like Roxana Ortega and Guadalupe Concepción, who have risen to positions of influence in maritime and logistics companies.
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“Each of them embodies dedication, professionalism, and vision, bringing valuable perspectives and expertise that enrich the industry,” Douglas stressed.
Education and the Next Generation
The growing presence of women is also reflected in the classroom. At the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), women represent 33% of its 1,300 students . This is a clear sign of the new generation's increasing interest in careers tied to logistics, shipping, and port operations.
A Regional Trend on the Rise
Panama is not alone in this shift. Across Central America, women are stepping into spaces once reserved for men, holding management and operational roles, and even highly specialized positions such as port truck drivers and gantry crane operators.
The REPICA 2025 panel featured regional leaders including Guadalupe Concepción, Regional Hub Manager at Maersk; Eny Bautista, Senior Commercial Director of Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC); and María del Rosario Miranda, Port Instructor at the National Port Company Santo Tomás de Castilla. All agreed: women's participation in the maritime world is rising, but much remains to be done to achieve true, sustainable gender equity.
The Challenge: Turning Progress into Equality
Through training programs, empowerment initiatives, and visibility strategies, the PMA is working not only to open doors but also to break down cultural barriers that still restrict women's access to certain positions.
“The challenge now is to consolidate these achievements and promote responsible gender equity, one that allows more women to assume both strategic and operational roles in the global maritime market,” Douglas concluded. He also noted that hurdles remain, including the gender pay gap, limited access to technical roles, and the need for stronger mentorship for upcoming generations.
