(NEWS) International Women’s Day 2019

March

2019

International Women’s Day 2019

International Women’s Day (IWD) was established in the early 1900s and celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity and is celebrated annually on 8 March.

The World Maritime University (WMU), since it was established in 1983 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has been committed to the advancement of women in the maritime sector. To date 1,029 women have graduated from WMU. The 2030 United Nations Development Goals (UNSDGs), in particular Goals 4, 5 and 8, are related to the advancement of women in the maritime and ocean professions, and thus to the 2019 World Maritime Day Theme, Empowering Women in the Maritime Community. These goals, among others, have been integrated into the strategic directions of the World Maritime University.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, stated that the University has proven that it is possible to make changes in a short period of time. Until the late 1990s, female students made up less than 5 per cent of the Malmö intake for its MSc in Maritime Affairs. A recruitment strategy with strong support from fellowship donors has resulted in the proportion of female students rising to roughly a third of the annual intake in Malmö, and last year the MSc in International Transport and Logistics (ITL) Class in Shanghai achieved gender parity with 50 per cent female students.

President Doumbia-Henry stated, “WMU has an important role to play in addressing the obstacles that impede the empowerment of women in order to enhance maritime and ocean governance. Education is the most powerful motor to deliver change and to change gender stereotypes. At WMU, we are well equipped to help promote gender equality in maritime and ocean industries and encourage young women to go to sea, to opt for a rewarding maritime career whether on board ship or ashore and to ensure that our national maritime schools attract new generations of women and enable them to take advantage of a maritime career.”

The World Maritime University Women’s Association (WMUWA) will host an IWD seminar on 11 March for students and staff reflecting the official IWD 2019 theme, “Think Equal, Build Smart and Innovate for Change”. The objectives of the WMUWA are to connect, educate and inspire women in the maritime industry and to promote the interests of female maritime professionals through the creation of an international network for women from the WMU and women involved in other internationally recognized female associations in the maritime sector.

WMU Empowering Women in the Maritime Community Conference

To address the gender gap in the maritime, oceans, ports, fishing and related industries, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that the theme of World Maritime Day 2019 will be “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”. According to the IMO, the selection of this theme provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to highlight the important contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector. In 2019, WMU will therefore host its Third International Women’s Conference from 4-5 April 2019 on the theme “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”.

The Conference will bring together participants from governments and industry, including the maritime, ocean and port sectors, as well as UN agencies, academia, research institutes, NGOs, media and WMU/IMLI alumni. The aim is to identify and address gaps in current policies and programmes that hinder women’s access to employment opportunities in pursuing careers in the maritime, port and ocean sectors, and to actively promote and implement strategies and policies that will change the current landscape. This is a call for action in support of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 5 (gender equality).

To learn more about the efforts of IMO and WMU to promote gender equality click here.

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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