The latest IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey reveals ongoing gender disparities in the maritime industry, despite a slight increase in female participation. The 2024 survey, based on data from IMO Member States and private sector organizations, shows women make up just under 19% of the total workforce—down from 26% in 2021. In national maritime authorities, women represent 19%, and only 16% in the private sector (excluding seafarers). At sea, women account for only 1% of the seafaring workforce.
The report notes growth in female representation in emerging sectors like ESG and decarbonization but declines in others such as legal services and bunkering. Barriers like gender stereotypes, lack of family-friendly policies, safety concerns, and the gender pay gap continue to hinder progress.
For Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, IMO “The second IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey provides valuable insights into the sector’s progress since the baseline dataset gathered in the 2021 survey. Greater participation in the survey from Member States and industry is a welcome indication of growing engagement with gender matters. “However, there is some way to go. Female representation is still disproportionately low, and women represent a small fraction of the seagoing workforce, highlighting the urgent need for continued commitment and action. We must redouble our efforts to foster a truly diverse and inclusive maritime industry.”
The report offers recommendations to improve recruitment, retention, leadership development, and safe working environments. It supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 by providing data to drive policy and increase female participation in maritime.