Women, ports and facilitation (10 April)

Use your power to empower". "Say what you're thinking". "Listen to the 'yes' voice in your head". "Return every phone call every day". "Believe in yourself". This was the advice given by a wide variety of inspiring maritime women sharing their experiences of entering, working and leading in the maritime world at a special event (photos) on "Women, ports and facilitation" at IMO Headquarters, London (10 April). The event was organized by IMO and WISTA*, took place in the margins of the Forty-third Session IMO's Facilitation Committee.

In his introduction to the event, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim emphasized IMO's commitment to empowering women in the maritime community – this year's World Maritime Day theme – and the importance of getting "all hands on deck", both male and female, for the maritime world to continue to carry the world's goods in a clean safe and efficient manner.

The speakers presented on, and answered questions about, their work and the future for women in the field – identifying a series of key issues and recommendations. These include the importance of promoting female role models; increased access to education; mentoring; and taking advantage of training – with the overriding point being that work promoting gender equality needed to be done by both men and women together. To get more information, please click Related Documents on the right column to check presentations from speakers .