March the 8th is International Women’s Day, this year promoting the theme ‘balance is better’ recognising the importance of gender balance.

We reviewed news and highlights from across the marine and maritime sectors to see how gender is being considered by organisations working in the seas and oceans.

IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim shared this message highlighting the value of creating gender balanced workplaces and raising the challenge to make 2019 a year of action, empowering women in the maritime community.

Maritime Cyprus shared their Top 10 Women in Shipping to mark IWD. Whilst World Maritime News covered the International Labour Organisations intention to make the maritime profession more attractive to young and women seafarers.

The PEW Charitable Trust asked Ecotrust Canda’s programme manager for Community Fisheries Dyhia Belhabib, Ph.D. for her views fisheries subsidies and the impact they have on artisanal fisheries and gender balance.

The Independent in Nigeria reported The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has pledged  the Agency’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at getting more women involved in the industry.

President Faure of the Seychelles honoured women in the fishing industry today at State House saying “On behalf of Government, I salute the courage and boldness of all our Seychellois women in this field, who are working hard for the advancement of the fisheries and blue economy sectors. Today on the occasion of International Women’s Day, I would like to urge young Seychellois women to take advantage of the opportunities available in this field,”

Many of the articles have made the point that there is scope to do more to recognise the contribution women make and to promote the importance of gender balance. As a final thought ‘Gender and Oceans’ is the theme of World Oceans Day 2019. The UN World Oceans Day pages offers resource and guidance for all to support this.