Established in 2021 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, International Women in Maritime Day is celebrated to recognize the achievements of women in the maritime industry around the world.
The maritime industry has historically been a male-led field, with women making up only a fraction of the global workforce. However, women have made significant contributions to the industry over the years, and their numbers are growing. International Women in Maritime Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in the industry and to raise awareness of the challenges they face. It is also a time to encourage more women to consider careers in the maritime sector.
This year’s theme for International Women in Maritime Day is "mobilizing networks for gender equality,” which highlights the importance of collaboration and cooperation in promoting gender equality in the maritime industry.
In honor of International Women in Maritime Day, we’re highlighting three influential women who have made significant impacts on the maritime industry.
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was a pioneer in the field of computer science and was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer. She was also a United States Navy Rear Admiral and played a significant role in developing the first computer programming language, COBOL.
Rear Admiral Hopper's work revolutionized the maritime industry by introducing computer technology to ships. Her legacy lives on today, with the use of computer technology being an integral part of the industry.
Rear Admiral Hopper once said, "The most dangerous phrase in the language is, 'We've always done it this way.'"
Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry is the President of the World Maritime University and the first woman to hold the position. She has over 30 years of experience in the field of international maritime law and policy and has been a leading voice in the industry.
Dr. Doumbia-Henry's work has focused on promoting sustainable development in the maritime industry. She has been a strong advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has worked to incorporate them into the industry's practices.
Under her leadership, the World Maritime University has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and gender equality in the industry. These include the Women in Maritime program, which aims to increase the participation of women in the industry.
Dr. Doumbia-Henry once said, "The maritime industry has a crucial role to play in achieving sustainable development, and it is essential that we work together to ensure its future."
Rear Admiral Mary Landry
Rear Admiral Mary Landry is a retired United States Coast Guard officer who served for 34 years. She was the first woman to serve as the commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District and the first woman to serve as the director of Incident Management and Preparedness Policy at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.
During her tenure, Rear Admiral Landry played a significant role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response efforts. She oversaw the deployment of over 47,000 responders, 6,400 vessels, and 120 aircraft, making it the largest oil spill response in U.S. history.
Rear Admiral Landry's work in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response efforts was crucial in mitigating the environmental and economic impacts of the disaster. Her leadership and expertise were instrumental in coordinating the response efforts, and her contributions have been recognized by the industry.
Rear Admiral Landry once said, "The maritime industry is a critical component of our national and global economy, and it is essential that we work together to ensure its safety and sustainability."
Learn More About Women in Maritime
By celebrating International Women in Maritime Day, we can help to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality in the maritime industry and encourage more women to consider careers in the industry.
In honor of this year’s celebration, Cusak & Co, a Maritime law firm based in Melbourne, created videos highlighting women in STEM in maritime from around the world.
Chain.io’s very own Christa Hinkel shared her experience as a woman in the maritime industry.
Hear from Christa Hinkel
