Capacity-Building Program for Female Cadres in the Egyptian Maritime Transport Sector: “Empowering Leadership and Scientific Research Skills.”

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

From Alexandria… A Strategic Launch to Strengthen Women’s Leadership in Egypt’s Maritime Sector
At the heart of the Mediterranean capital, and within the corridors of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector, April 1, 2026 marked the launch of a specialized workshop representing a qualitative step toward empowering Egyptian women in the maritime sector, held under high-level official patronage.
The Egyptian National Chapter of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA Egypt) launched a strategic programme aimed at qualifying female leadership cadres in line with international standards and in alignment with the directions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The workshop, titled:
“Capacity-Building Program for Female Cadres in the Maritime Transport Sector – Empowering Leadership and Scientific Research Skills”
came as the result of constructive collaboration between the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector and the Association’s General Secretariat, within the framework of supporting Egypt’s efforts to enhance the role of women in vital sectors.
The event opened with a keynote address delivered by Admiral/ Sherif Zakaria, Deputy Head of the Sector, on behalf of Admiral / Hussein El-Gezeiry, Head of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector. He reaffirmed the sector’s full support for women’s empowerment and the expansion of opportunities for their participation in leadership positions.
On the international level, Eng. Refaat Armenious, Director of the IMO Regional Office in Egypt for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted that this initiative represents an important step toward strengthening the presence of Egyptian professionals on the global stage.
Ms. Shireene Galal, Director of the AWIMA General Secretariat, reviewed AWIMA’s efforts since its establishment and its role in supporting women working in the maritime sector. Meanwhile, Ms. Marwa Hafez, President of the Egyptian National Chapter (AWIMA Egypt), emphasized the importance of building qualified female cadres grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Over the course of two days, the workshop featured a series of specialized lectures. Dr. Basma Shawky, Director General of the Strategy Department at the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety, addressed leadership and crisis management skills, while Dr. Ibrahim El-Gamal, Director General of Religious Guidance in Alexandria Governorate, discussed the role of family stability in supporting professional performance.
Dr. Ragab El-Talkhawi also highlighted the importance of scientific research and its impact on enhancing professional performance, while Eng. Basma El-Shahaby delivered a presentation on digital transformation and its significance in the development of smart ports.
The closing session was attended by Admiral/ Hussein El-Gezeiry, who awarded certificates of participation to the trainees, reaffirming institutional leadership’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
The workshop reflected a notable diversity of participants, including representatives from the public sector, private sector, and academic institutions, thereby  integration within the maritime ecosystem.
The event concluded in an atmosphere of appreciation and positive engagement, underscoring the significance of this initiative as a practical step toward advancing the role of women in the maritime sector.
This workshop represents a genuine starting point for preparing female leaders capable of contributing effectively to the development of the maritime sector, in line with a national vision and international standards.