Around 400 women from the maritime sector, representing 40 different countries, gathered in Limassol, Cyprus, for the 50th anniversary of the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) Conference. The event, which began on Thursday, was addressed by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.
During his opening address, Dominguez praised the Cypriot government's efforts to enhance the role of women in the maritime sector, highlighting specific initiatives. He noted that Cyprus' commitment to quality in shipping is reflected in its re-election to the IMO Council and the awarding of the IMO's first-ever Gender Equality Award to Cypriot Despina Theodosiou.
Referring the origins of WISTA International, which was founded in London on December 2, 50 years ago, Dominguez said the organization now has 5,000 members from 62 countries. He emphasized that WISTA’s mission is not about promoting feminism but about recognizing the vital role that women play in maritime.
"Women had always had a role but it was us the men that we have not given it to you. But now we are here supporting you at the highest level. And this is not going to stop," he said. He acknowledged that although progress has been made, much work remains to achieve full gender equality by 2030.
Dominguez shared his own recent experience of standing up for gender equality by refusing to participate in a panel at the International Associations Ports and Harbors Conference in Hamburg, Germany, because it did not include women.
"When you have the leaders announcing and recognizing that women have a role to play this is where those small actions start to become tangible and take us to the next step. So please continue to help me on this campaign," he said, adding that the fight for gender equality is a marathon, not a sprint.
He also spoke on the conference's theme, "Excellence in Maritime and International Trade Driven by Innovation," noting that innovation in shipping reduces human error, lowers costs, and enhances efficiency. He stressed that WISTA's focus extends beyond gender diversity to addressing broader technical and human challenges in the sector.
Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, also addressed the conference, commending WISTA International and WISTA Cyprus for their efforts in advancing gender equality. She highlighted the significant impact that passionate and dynamic women in maritime were making, both in Cyprus and globally, in shaping the future of a traditionally male-dominated industry.
WISTA International President Elpi Petraki expressed her pride in the strong presence of women in the shipping industry, celebrating not only the organization's past but also its bright future. She added that 2024 marks a pivotal milestone for the organization.
Petraki reflected on WISTA's five decades of tireless work and shared the organization's vision for the next 50 years. She stressed the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the maritime industry, narrowing the gender leadership gap, and strengthening the bonds of the global maritime community.
Natalia Bury Loyal, President of WISTA Cyprus, welcomed attendees and emphasized the honour of hosting the landmark event. She highlighted Cyprus' growing importance as a global maritime hub and praised the Cypriot government's support for WISTA's mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in shipping.
The WISTA International Annual General Meeting and Conference will conclude tomorrow with workshops on innovation at the Limassol Innovation and Blue Economy Center.
CNA/SK/TNE/EPH/2024
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
