Women Leaders from Across Africa Gather to Discuss Maritime Safety in Sao Tome
Posted on Sep 17, 2024 at 08:09 PM
Women working in the maritime industry from all over Africa convened in Sao Tome and Principe to discuss safety "from a woman's perspective" and how to create a more secure and safe maritime workplace.
Regional Networks' Role in Maritime Safety
Three important regional networks convened for the conference (2–3 September) under the theme “Safety First: Women Joining Hands to Shape the Future of Maritime in Africa” were the Association of Women in Maritime in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA), the Network of Professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sectors for West and Central Africa (NPWMP-WCA), and the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA). Every association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on September 4th, following this.
Further, the government of Sao Tome and Principe hosted the conference and AGMs, which drew attendees from as many as forty African nations and were supported by the International Maritime Organisation.
A Vital Step Towards Safety
Building the technical capacity of African women professionals in the industry is crucial, as emphasised by IMO Principal Programme Assistant and lead for the Women in Maritime programme Mariana Noceti during the opening ceremony.
She states, "By empowering women with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in maritime roles, we can ensure that safety standards are upheld and continually improved."
The conference covered women's roles in ensuring that industry safety standards are maintained as well as safety concerns from the viewpoint of African women.
Meanwhile, sessions covered urgent topics like enhancing maritime security, technological innovation, and maritime decarbonisation. They also looked at ways that women might participate in safety initiatives and decision-making processes.
Additionally, an inclusive "whole of government" approach to combating maritime security threats was promoted in a presentation by the IMO's Maritime Security Section, which brought together several important stakeholders to coordinate efforts and exchange information.
A worldwide network encompassing over 150 countries and territories in Africa, Asia, the Arab States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific includes the three regional Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs) in Africa. These professional networks, which are facilitated by IMO, aim to increase the proportion of women in the shipping sector.
Conclusion
The gathering in Sao Tome and Principe marks a significant moment in addressing maritime safety from a woman's perspective across Africa. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a focus on building technical skills, these women professionals are shaping a safer and more inclusive future for the maritime industry. By fostering connections between regional networks and encouraging active participation in safety initiatives, the conference highlighted the vital role women play in strengthening maritime security and safety standards across the continent.
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