(NEWS) Empowering Women in the Maritime Community

December

2019

Empowering Women in the Maritime Community - JoMA Special Issue

The World Maritime University (WMU) has a longstanding commitment to empowering women in the maritime and ocean communities. The most recent result is the newly released WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs (JoMA) Special issue on Empowering Women in the Maritime Community. The publication is an outcome of the April 2019 WMU Third Women’s Conference on the 2019 World Maritime Day theme of Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.

The conference brought maritime and ocean stakeholders together at WMU to discuss the common challenge of gender equality and to address the gender gap in the maritime, oceans, ports, fishing and related industries. As a result of the two-day event, over 350 participants from more than 70 countries adopted conclusions identifying 17 actions that could be taken to advance gender balance in the maritime and oceans sectors. The conclusions serve as best practice guidance for all stakeholders committed to action focused on increasing gender balance across maritime and ocean industries. In addition to the conclusions, the Conference Report, released in September, summarized the most significant outcomes of the Conference by session and speaker.

Regarding the JoMA special issue, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, noted the importance of the conference in putting the spotlight on issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. “Mainstreaming gender in the maritime and ocean professions not only enhances respect for diversity but also raises awareness on the many existing research gaps that need to be addressed. This issue of the WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs seeks to inspire further research work on gender issues. In this respect, WMU welcomes all those interested to engage further in constructive discussions and dialogue to advance the empowerment of women in the maritime and ocean communities,” she said.

The JoMA special issue on Empowering Women in the Maritime Community is a continued effort by WMU to promote gender studies in the maritime and ocean affairs, nearly five years after the third volume of the WMU Book Series, “Maritime Women: Global Leadership” was published in 2015. Since then, the landscape of maritime research surrounding women and men has changed in many respects, including the growing attention to oceans research, the impact of digitization on maritime jobs, and low/zero emissions from ships and ports. The JoMA special issue features interdisciplinary research across the articles to bridge gender and sustainability issues in the maritime and ocean communities. Wide dissemination of this special issue is appreciated to shed more light on effective ways to empower women in the maritime and ocean communities.

Since the University was founded in 1983, WMU has been striving for improving gender balance in maritime and ocean-related fields in higher education and research. Female student representation at WMU has improved significantly from 3% in 1983 to 34% in 2019 in the MSc programme in Maritime Affairs delivered in Malmö, Sweden, and the Class of 2019 in the WMU MSc in International Transport & Logistics programme delivered in Shanghai, China, achieved gender parity.

About the Journal of Maritime Affairs

The WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs (WMU JoMA) is an international journal that covers the subject areas of maritime safety, marine environment protection and shipping operations and gives, in this context, special attention to the human element and the impact of technology. WMU JoMA is for professionals in maritime administration, industry and education. It aims at serving the international maritime community by presenting fresh ideas and current thinking on subjects of topical interest, reporting on relevant research findings and addressing interrelationships between safety, environment protection and efficiency of maritime transport.

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Dissertation title

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenureat WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions inthe maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures,including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held greatappeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practicalexperience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorousacademic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherentlydynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeplyconvinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute toenhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencingpositive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends inthe maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background,served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards