Women are bringing vital expertise and leadership to a sector long seen as male-dominated, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis told a maritime event in Limassol.

Speaking at a WISTA Cyprus (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) gathering on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day, she argued that greater inclusion is making the industry more innovative and better prepared for the future.

Every step forward made by women carries significant weight as they continue to strengthen the profession, the minister stated.

Women in maritime, she said, bring “incredible expertise and professionalism”, but also “perspective, resilience, creativity and leadership”, qualities which, she added, do not benefit women alone but the industry as a whole by making organisations stronger, decisions better, and the sector more dynamic.

She said the progress already made was clear in the room, while adding that WISTA Cyprus has played an important part by building networks, supporting mentorship and giving women in maritime greater visibility and opportunities.

At the same time, Hadjimanolis made clear that more remains to be done.

Promoting equal opportunities and diversity, she said, is not only about fairness, but also about the future of shipping, because the sector needs talent and “talent exists everywhere, among both women and men.”

In this context, she said the Deputy Ministry of Shipping is working with international organisations, educational institutions and industry partners to encourage more women to pursue careers in shipping, both at sea and ashore, while also helping young women better understand the opportunities available in the sector.

She added that inclusion is also about ensuring women feel valued, respected and able to grow.

Hadjimanolis also referred to an initiative under the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU, which will see Brussels host a conference on equal opportunities and inclusion in shipping on May 12.

The event, she said, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and shipping professionals from across Europe for what she described as an honest and meaningful discussion on how to move forward and build a shipping sector that is truly open, inclusive and full of opportunities for all.

Hadjimanolis also said real progress is achieved when institutions, industry and organisations work together, while praising WISTA Cyprus for its continued role in supporting women in shipping and helping guide the next generation.