President Doumbia-Henry Recognized as Remarkable Woman in the Field of Transport

Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University (WMU), is featured as a Remarkable Woman in the field of transport for the year 2021 by the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI). 

Regarding the role of women in the Transport Sector, in her recorded remarks, Dr Doumbia-Henry noted that the sector in general has traditionally been regarded as not open to women for career opportunities. “Some of the challenges that women face include working conditions and the human resources policies of transport companies that are not designed to mainstream gender,” she said. Further, she stated that policy options to enhance the opportunities for women, and to mitigate the barriers facing women in transport, must continue to be explored.

Dr Doumbia-Henry is the first female President of WMU, as well as the first from a developing country. Prior to joining WMU in mid-2015, she served in a number of capacities at the International Labour Organization (ILO), culminating in the role of Director of the International Labour Standards Department. During her 30-year long service at the ILO, she was involved in the drafting of over 60 ILO Conventions and Recommendations advocating for seafarers’ rights, including responsibility for developing the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 which she remained responsible for until she joined WMU. She continues to be a strong advocate for seafarers’ rights, including championing the efforts to recognize seafarers as key workers, particularly due to the challenges they are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The third annual edition of Remarkable Women in Transport included 20 professionals from around the globe who are working in the field of sustainable transport. The vision of the features is to encourage and increase the participation of women in the Transport Sector. 

Formed through the union of 11 partners, Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) realizes activities in the field of sustainable urban mobility. Through TUMI Women Mobilize Women, established in 2018, they have created a network to influence the international debate on the role and potential of women in the mobility sector. In addition, they are raising awareness on the topic of gender and transport amongst planners and decision-makers in the transport sector.

To view Dr Doumbia-Henry’s Remarkable Women featured video, click here.