Brussels, Belgium. Cyprus has placed gender equality in maritime firmly on the European agenda during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou calling for the shipping industry to adopt substantive and measurable policies.
Conference in Brussels
Christodoulou spoke this week at the High-Level Conference on Equal Opportunities and Inclusion in Shipping in Brussels, organised by the Shipping Deputy Ministry. She said “the future of shipping must be built on equal opportunities, merit and inclusion, rather than on systems that continue to exclude women.”
The conference was held in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and brought together representatives of European institutions, international organisations and senior executives from the shipping industry.
Call for reforms and accountability
In her keynote address, Christodoulou said that “real change requires political courage, corporate responsibility and collective action,” adding that institutions must be willing to challenge existing structures and promote substantive reforms.
She described equality and inclusion as strategic priorities for the future of European and global shipping, saying, “At a time of major transformation for the global shipping industry, equality and inclusion are not optional, they are strategic priorities linked to competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, and resilience.”
Christodoulou said “women should not have to continue to adapt to systems that were never designed to include them. It is the systems that must change.”
Cyprus’ role and policy focus
According to a statement from her office, she warned that the underrepresentation of women in technical professions and leadership positions deprives the industry of talent, innovation and competitiveness.
Referring to Cyprus’ role as one of the leading maritime powers, Christodoulou said the country is committed to helping transform the sector through policies that strengthen equal opportunities and gender mainstreaming. She said Cyprus is working to ensure that the future of shipping is more representative, fair and sustainable, while implementing policies on gender mainstreaming, women’s leadership, education, accountability and work-life balance.
What changes do you think the shipping industry should prioritise to improve equal opportunities and inclusion?