Women’s shipping association celebrates 50th anniversary in Limassol

Some 400 women in shipping from 40 different countries are participating in the 50th Anniversary World Congress of the Women’s International Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA International), which started on Thursday in Limassol.

The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, in his opening address to the Conference expressed his satisfaction that the Cypriot Government, as he said, is strengthening the role of women in shipping through specific actions. The 1st Gender Equality Award of the Organisation was awarded to Cypriot Despina Theodosiou.

Recalling that the creation of WISTA International was launched on 2 December in London, 50 years ago, Dominguez said that, today, it has 5,000 members, women maritime professionals from 62 national organisations, who continue their action, “not to promote feminism but to highlight the role they have to play”.

Saying that women, always had a role to play, but it was men who did not allow them to do so, the IMO Secretary General said that “today we are here to support you at the highest level and that will not stop”.

While much progress has been made, he continued, there is still much to be done to achieve the goal of full gender equality by 2030, pointing out that just at the recent UN General Assembly, less than 10% of the keynote speakers were women.

Dominguez was applauded when reporting that he refused to take part in a panel discussion at the recent International Associations Ports and Harbors Conference in Hamburg, because there were no women on it.

“It is small acts of recognition of the role of women that become tangible and take us to the next step, so I ask for your support in this campaign,” he said, adding that the fight for gender equality is not a race but a marathon.

He also referred to the theme of the conference, “Excellence in maritime and international trade driven by innovation”, saying that shipping is all about change and improvement and that introducing innovation helps reduce human error, reduce costs and improve efficiency.

In her welcome address, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli, praised the role of WISTA International and the actions and activities of WISTA Cyprus.

All these women, she said, are “a force of passionate and dynamic women, working tirelessly for gender equality and the global empowerment of women in shipping – an industry often shaped by tradition but evolving through their efforts.”

Their commitment, she continued, to drive progress has not only uplifted women in Cyprus, but has resonated on an international scale, leaving a lasting impact, for all who witness their work.

She also expressed her gratitude for the close cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, WISTA Cyprus and the Commissioner for Gender Equality, and invited everyone to the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference, which will be held in October next year in Limassol.

The President of WISTA International, Elpi Petraki, expressed her joy and pride for the dynamic presence of women in the maritime industry at the Conference, stating that “we are united by a bond that knows no borders”.

Today, she added, “we are celebrating not only our past but our bright future” and noted that 2024 is a key milestone for the Organization “not only on the calendar but also in our hearts”.

“It brings with it a deep sense of accomplishment as we reflect on five decades of tireless service, on all that we have achieved, on the ambitious plans for the future and on the lasting legacy we are building every day for future generations and for our industry,” he added.

After reviewing the significant milestones in WISTA International’s history, Petraki said that the Organization continues its journey for the next 50 years with vision and non-negotiable values, remaining resolutely committed to achieving its goals.

“Attracting, supporting and empowering women in the shipping, trade and supply chain sector was our original goal,” she said, indicating that “while this remains at the heart of our mission, we are now setting goals to promote a diverse, equal and inclusive work environment, contributing to the global push for sustainable shipping, reducing the leadership gender gap, strengthening our community ties, fostering business relationships, facilitating the professional development of our members and building bridges through partnerships with other organizations around the world.”

WISTA Cyprus president, Natalia Bury Loyal, also delivered a welcome address and said that she was honoured that Cyprus had been chosen to host the Anniversary Conference as well as the WISTA International Annual General Assembly.

She added that the awarding of this year’s event to our country reflects not only the ever-increasing importance of Cyprus as a global shipping and trade hub, but also Cyprus’ strong links with WISTA’s values.

Cyprus, she noted, continued to be a driving force in the maritime sector and “we are proud of the way in which the Cypriot maritime community and the Government have wholeheartedly supported WISTA’s mission to promote diversity, equality and inclusion”.

The WISTA Cyprus president also said that after half a century of empowering women in the shipping industry, championing diversity and promoting equality in shipping and trade, “this is a moment of celebration, reflection and aspiration for our shared future.”

WISTA International’s Annual General Assembly will concluded on Friday with parallel workshops in relation to innovation, which will take place at the Limassol Municipality’s Innovation and Blue Economy Centre, Limassol Port, BSM Maritime’s training centre.

President Nikos Christodoulides, who was present at Thursday’s conference was the first ever President participating in a WISTA Conference, said Hadjimanolis. This showed the importance that the Cyprus Government attributes to this matter.

She expressed her gratitude for the strong cooperation between the Shipping Deputy Ministry, WISTA Cyprus and the Commissioner for Gender Equality.

She noted that from the very first day of her appointment, she felt with WISTA, not just a professional bond, but a genuine sense of belonging to the WISTA family.