Arab Women from National Chapters Participate in Marine Biofouling Workshop in Jeddah

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

A group of women from the Arab national chapters of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA) participated in the first Arab women’s workshop on marine biofouling management, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 10 to 11 May 2022.
The workshop was organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Transport General Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to empower women and enhance their participation in technical maritime fields. 
The event aimed to raise awareness among women working in the maritime sector across the Middle East and North Africa about the importance of marine biofouling management, its role in protecting marine ecosystems, preventing invasive species, and addressing climate change.
It also explored opportunities for women in this field, identified gender-related challenges, and proposed solutions through working groups focused on capacity building, business opportunities, and women’s leadership.
The workshop brought together international experts and professionals and included field visits to Jeddah Islamic Port, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and regional collaboration.
This participation reflects the growing role of Arab women in the maritime sector and the collective efforts to strengthen their presence in sustainability and maritime innovation.