IMO, WISTA to promote greater diversity in maritime sector

The following is text of a news release from the International Maritime Organization (IMO):

(LONDON) — The Women's International Shipping and Trading Association Ltd. (WISTA International) and IMO have signed a memorandum of understanding on promoting greater diversity and inclusion through enhanced cooperation activities in the maritime field.

These activities will lay the groundwork for further discussion on how a diverse workforce will be essential for a sustainable future. Initiatives already underway include a study to collect and analyze data on the number of women employed in the maritime sector; developing a database of female experts in a wide range of maritime subjects available for speaking engagements to make panels more diverse; and supporting implementation of IMO Assembly Resolution A.1147(31) on preserving the legacy of the world maritime theme for 2019 and achieving a barrier-free working environment for women in the maritime sector.

Another key part of the MoU is to strengthen cooperation and share best practices between the IMO-established regional women in maritime associations (WIMAs) and WISTA International's national WISTA associations.

The MoU was signed by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and WISTA International President Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou.

Following this important event, a WISTA information session was organized at IMO headquarters to raise awareness of the work of WISTA International and its regional/national branches and offer advice on how to join the association.

By Professional Mariner Staff