Elpi Petraki is: President, WISTA International • Secretary General, Hellenic Short Sea Shipowners Association (HSSA), Chartering/Operations/Business Development, ENEA MANAGEMENT INC
Today, IMO International Day for Women in Maritime Day 2025, is a crucial occasion in our sector’s calendar.
It’s a day that highlights the best – and perhaps the worst – in our quest for diversity in maritime. Social media is full of inspiring posts, from amazing women, celebrating and supporting each other to commemorate this annual event. On the other hand, the maritime sector (and many others too) is a long way from where we would hope to be.
Themed An Ocean of Opportunities for Women, Friday’s symposium at International Maritime Organization‘s HQ highlighted the shortfalls. In presenting the Women in Maritime 2024 Survey results together with Louise Proctor, it was clear to all just how much work there is to be done. The reality is worrying, said IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and this day should be a call to action to us all, in the name of progress.
This aside, celebrating IMO International Day for Women in Maritime is a must. Membership of WISTA International now exceeds 6000 individuals, in 63 countries, a figure that is growing more rapidly in recent years than ever before. Like so many others, I am incredibly proud to be part of our supportive community and to applaud our achievements to date.
