Tailored online training delivered by IMO’s SMART-C Women Project is helping women in the Asia-Pacific region elevate their maritime careers and close the gender gap in the sector.
The first training session under the project took place from 17 to 21 June, with 25 maritime professionals joining from five Asian countries. The session will continue from 1 to 5 July.
This training is designed to strengthen women's competency and influence within the maritime community, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable industry. Topics range from major industry developments and trends, including IMO regulations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, green shipping technologies and maritime digitalization, including Maritime Single Window, to more gender-specific elements such as gender mentoring, regional and cultural aspects, and challenges and opportunities for women.
Following the online component, selected participants will engage in on-site training in the Republic of Korea, gaining practical experience they can apply in their home countries.
The SMART-C Women Project, a partnership of IMO and the Republic of Korea, aims to promote gender equality in the maritime sector by supporting career development and employment opportunities for women, particularly in developing countries.
The project is structured around four key pillars:
- Online and on-site training
- Formal education for women supported through fellowships
- Global networking for women through international information sharing
- Pilot consultancy project to develop national master plans for maritime women empowerment
The online training materials are designed to be easily replicated at the national level, to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
Over the next four years, the project aims to train women from ASEAN countries (Association of South East Asian Nations) and Pacific SIDS (Small Island Developing States), focusing on priority areas identified by the participants.