Christos Kontovas
Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Reflections on Gender Equality in the Maritime Sector:
Lessons from the 2025 International Conference at WMU
Last month (19–21 May 2025), I had the great pleasure of participating in the International Conference “Advancing the Blue Economy Through Gender Equality”, held at the World Maritime University in Malmö. Organised with exceptional care and vision (special thanks go to Professor Momoko Kitada, the driving force behind the event and a dedicated fellow member of the BlueRights COST Action) the conference brought together a vibrant and diverse group of academics, professionals, and advocates to explore one of the most pressing issues facing our industry today: gender inclusivity.
As someone relatively new to the topic, and previously unaware of the depth of the gender equality issue, I found the experience both highly educational and deeply thought-provoking. The organisers had put together a great programme, filled with rich, inspiring contributions. What follows is a personal reflection on a few moments and themes that have particularly stayed with me, not to single out these speakers above others, but to share what resonated with me most powerfully.
It is becoming increasingly evident that we must do far more to bring women, and indeed all underrepresented groups, into the maritime industry. Coming from Greece, a country where women are well-represented in merchant academies, it is disheartening to learn that globally, women make up just around 1% of the seafaring workforce. Clearly, the status quo is not acceptable.
The conference made me reflect on the limitations of how we conceptualise gender. Until recently, I confess I had a more binary view, which I now realise is not only limiting but also exclusionary to those who do not see themselves within this categorisation. Even the UN’s SDG symbol for gender equality uses gendered symbols that fail to represent this nuance! I acknowledge that this might be a sensitive or controversial point, but I believe it is important to say that inclusion must mean inclusion for ‘everyone’, and this should be done within the framework of respect—for the law, for one another, and for the richness of human diversity.
Therefore, it was particularly moving to hear from Gustavo Aguilar-Miranda of the “I Exist Too” charity, whose presentation reminded us that the fight for gender equity is not about one group against another, it is about expanding the circle of inclusion. That message left a lasting impression.
Another highlight for me was the presentation by Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, who discussed findings from the 2nd “Women in Maritime” survey [1], a collaboration between the IMO and Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA). A finding that struck me was related to the impact of ‘gender-neutral language’ in recruitment and promotion processes. While equal pay remains a top priority, the thoughtful use of language can play a significant role in breaking down structural barriers.
In fact, my own contribution to the conference (outlined in more detail in my abstract included in the proceedings [2]) centred on the importance of gender-inclusive language, alongside a second focus on gender-appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety. It is becoming increasingly clear that there is significant room for improvement in this space. Importantly, the shift towards inclusive language is not just a linguistic one, but a step towards structural change.
Another eye-opening moment came from Jeana Kim, Senior Inspector at the Korea Coast Guard, whose presentation included a photograph showing Korean men and women dining separately; I believe taken some decades ago. I was aware of the country’s hierarchical culture, but this stark image underscored how deeply embedded patriarchal systems can be.
In a conversation with Jeana during one of the workshops, I actually found myself reconsidering another core concept: equality versus equity. Equality, in treating everyone the same, does not account for the systemic barriers that have historically excluded women and others. Equity, by contrast, recognises the need for tailored, sometimes asymmetrical support in order to achieve true fairness. This, I now believe, is the direction we need to pursue, particularly in male-dominated industries like shipping. Not easy though, as, at a first glance, might not even seem fair!
In addition, as a man, I believe it is imperative that we acknowledge the role men must play in this transformation. I have always made an effort to treat people equally—though I recognise that everyone, including myself, carries some bias. This conference reminded me that good intentions alone are NOT enough. There IS gender inequality, and while none of us can change the world alone, we must support and amplify all efforts to create a more inclusive, fair, and forward-thinking maritime industry.
For me, personally, this also means embedding these values and efforts in my own research, in my project proposals, and in my academic teaching. Engineering, after all, is not just about solving technical problems—it is also about creating a better world.
A final word of thanks: It was also a joy to socialise with my fellow BlueRights members—Anna, Betül, Momoko and Senka—and to meet new and old colleagues. I won’t try to list everyone, as I am sure I will unintentionally leave someone out, but every conversation was enriching and motivating!
A heartfelt thank you to Anna Petrig and Irini Papanicolopulu, who are chairing the BlueRights COST Action, for the opportunity and financial support to attend this important event.
To anyone reading: if you are not yet part of the BlueRights network, I warmly encourage you to get involved! It is an inspiring initiative built on the belief that “all persons are equally entitled to human rights”, and that the maritime industry—and the world—can and should reflect that vision.
What a beautiful (maritime) world we could live in!
References
[1] IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024. Report. Available online at: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/TechnicalCooperation/Pages/IMO-WISTA-Women-in-Maritime-Survey-2024.aspx.
[2] Kontovas C.A. (2025) “Fostering Gender Equality in the Maritime Industry: Overcoming Barriers in Safety and Language”, Conference Book of Abstracts, 2025 International Conference, Advancing the Blue Economy through Gender Equality, World Maritime University, Sweden, 19-21 May 2025. Book of Abstracts available at: https://www.wmu.se/news/advancing-the-blue-economy-through-gender-equality.
This blog is based upon work of COST Action CA23103 – Life, Liberty and Health: Ensuring Universal Protection of Human Rights at Sea (BlueRights), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).