IMO's Women in Maritime programme and this year's World Maritime Day theme were given increased visibility at the Houses of Parliament, London, UK (4 March 2019), during a session on Women, Peace and Conflict Resolution. Information was provided on the strategic approach IMO has taken towards enhancing the contribution of women as key stakeholders over the last 31 years. IMO is strongly committed to helping its Member States achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls". Some 2% of the world's 1.2 million seafarers are women.
There is ample evidence that investing in women is the most effective way to lift communities, companies, and even countries. Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth. Peace agreements that include women are more durable. Gender diversity in a team often makes for a more effective team i.e. some women are better piracy negotiators as those softer skills are more developed. The evidence is clear: equality for women means progress for all.
The event was organized by Rotary International.