Shireene Galal’s Speech at the International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 Highlights Women Empowerment as the Path Forward

Sunday, 18 May 2025

Ms. Shireene Galal, Director of the General Secretariat of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), delivered an inspiring speech on the occasion of the International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated globally on 18 May, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 
In her speech, she emphasized that women have proven their capabilities in a sector traditionally dominated by men, noting that the sea does not distinguish between genders, but rather recognizes those who possess knowledge, determination, and leadership skills.
She highlighted that empowering women in the maritime sector is no longer just a slogan, but a necessity for achieving balanced and sustainable development, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
She also outlined the role of AWIMA as a regional platform dedicated to supporting women and enhancing their participation across all maritime fields through capacity building and regional cooperation.
Her speech further reviewed the efforts of the IMO in promoting women’s empowerment, from the launch of the Women in Maritime Programme in 1988, to the official designation of 18 May as the International Day for Women in Maritime, and the development of global initiatives supporting women’s leadership and inclusion.
She also noted that more efforts are still needed, particularly in light of statistics indicating the underrepresentation of women in certain maritime roles, calling for stronger policies to promote diversity and inclusion in the sector.
She concluded with a powerful message to young women:
success in the maritime field is not defined by gender, but by determination, knowledge, and the courage to overcome challenges.