Nicosia, Cyprus. WISTA Cyprus marked the International Day for Women in Maritime by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening visibility, representation and leadership opportunities for women across the maritime sector.
Global recognition and industry focus
The day is celebrated globally across the maritime industry and recognises the contribution of women working both at sea and ashore, across all areas of maritime activity.
Call for meaningful inclusion and measurable progress
Speaking on the occasion, WISTA Cyprus president Anna Pittalis said the focus should move beyond recognition and towards meaningful inclusion, as well as measurable progress within the industry.
“Today is about visibility and about ensuring that women’s voices, expertise, and leadership are fully recognised across the maritime sector,” she said.
“At WISTA Cyprus, we see inclusion not as a parallel conversation, but as a core component of a stronger, more resilient and future-ready maritime industry,” Pittalis added.
“As the sector undergoes transformation through decarbonisation, digitalisation, and geopolitical change, diversity of thought and experience is essential,” she continued.
Need for sustained effort and broader representation
WISTA Cyprus said that although progress has been recorded across parts of the maritime ecosystem, sustained effort is still needed to secure greater representation of women in senior leadership roles and across all parts of the industry, including at sea.
The organisation said inclusion must be embedded in the operational fabric of the maritime sector, rather than treated as a separate or isolated initiative.
Role of allies in long-term change
WISTA Cyprus pointed to the role of industry allies in supporting long-term change, particularly through mentorship, access to opportunities and clear leadership commitment.
What steps do you think maritime companies should prioritise to improve women’s representation in senior roles and at sea?