26/09/2026
The Women in Maritime Association Caribbean’s Antigua and Barbuda Chapter is calling for stronger action to ensure that policies supporting women in the maritime industry produce meaningful changes in recruitment, training and leadership.
In a message marking World Maritime Day, chapter president Shenica Sebastian said achieving maritime excellence requires the industry to move beyond promises of equality and create genuine opportunities for women both onshore and at sea.
Sebastian said diversity must be embedded in institutional policies, recruitment systems and professional training programmes.
She argued that expanding the role of women is not simply a matter of fairness, but could strengthen the wider maritime supply chain by bringing additional perspectives to decision-making, innovation and resilience.
The call comes as the global maritime community observes World Maritime Day under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
The theme, selected by the International Maritime Organization for 2026 and 2027, focuses on converting international regulations and commitments into practical action throughout the shipping industry.
Sebastian said the transition from policy to practice must include authentic inclusion, stronger safety standards and visible opportunities for women to exercise leadership throughout the sector.
The Antigua and Barbuda chapter said it remains committed to targeted training, mentorship and capacity-building programmes intended to prepare women to take on larger roles within the industry.
The organisation believes increasing women’s participation will help build a more sustainable and adaptable maritime sector, while ensuring that decisions affecting the industry reflect a wider range of experiences.
World Maritime Day recognises the contribution of international shipping, seafarers and marine environmental protection to global development.
The IMO said this year’s campaign emphasises the need to apply maritime safety and environmental standards consistently at sea and onshore, ensuring policies deliver measurable benefits for the people working throughout the sector.
