International Day for Women in Maritme Sector Celebrations Kick Off with Elite Leaders Theme: "Promoting Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence – Women and Hyperbaric Medicine: New Horizons in the Heart of the Maritime Sector"
Thursday, 14 May 2026
The city of Alexandria witnessed the launch of celebrations for the International Day for Women in the Maritime Sector. The event was organized by the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector in cooperation with the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), and was attended by Eng. Amira Yassin Heikal, Deputy Governor of Alexandria.
This celebration comes to highlight the pivotal role of Arab women in boosting the maritime economy, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event opened with a documentary film prepared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to celebrate the occasion. The program included a series of key addresses by prominent figures in the sector:
* Rear Admiral Hussein El-Geziry (Head of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector) opened the speeches by reviewing the significant role women play in supporting and developing this vital sector.
* Captain Emad Khafaji delivered a speech on behalf of Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar (President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport - AASTMT), highlighting the role of the IMO complex at the Academy, which hosts the General Secretariat of AWIMA.
* Prof. Dr. Magda El-Shazly** (Rapporteur of the National Council for Women in Alexandria) and Dr. Iman Sharaf* (Director General of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority) both emphasized their firm belief in women's capability to undertake all tasks and shoulder the heaviest responsibilities.
* *Ms. Sherine Galal (Director of the General Secretariat of AWIMA) shed light on the stages of the association’s establishment, its evolution, activities, and its role in coordinating with member states.
* Ms. Marwa Hafez (Head of the Egyptian National Branch of AWIMA) highlighted the percentage of women's participation in the maritime sector and scientific research, as well as what international conventions dictate in favor of women and creating a suitable work environment for them.
* Eng. Amira Yassin (Deputy Governor of Alexandria) concluded the opening speeches as an exemplary female executive leader who has proven women's ability to overcome challenges and reach the highest positions.
The ceremony featured an introductory film about the establishment of AWIMA and its role in empowering Arab women in this vital field. The agenda also included important specialized lectures:
* *Hyperbaric Medicine:* A lecture delivered by Major General Doctor Mohamed El-Sherbiny.
* A Force with No Boundaries – Women in Non-Traditional Fields":** A lecture by Captain Omar Ezz El-Din (Chairman of the International Maritime Company), where he showcased women's capabilities and his belief in their potential. He presented two outstanding models:
* *Ms. Gihan Ghanima:* Director of the International Diving School.
* *Ms. Ayten Nasr:* The first female graduate from the school to practice commercial diving, currently representing Egypt in international companies.
The event concluded with a special segment to honor honorable female role models* in the maritime sector in recognition of their efforts and tangible contributions. The day ended with a group photo of all the dignitaries and organizers.