Cyprus shipping leaders highlight women’s role in industry and social contribution

Athens, Greece. Cyprus officials and shipowners said women are playing an increasingly prominent role in shipping and in social work linked to the industry at an event held ahead of World Maritime Day. They highlighted maritime activity extending beyond ships, trade and balance sheets.

Event and attendees

The “Women, Shipping, Social Contribution” event was organised by the Shipping Deputy Ministry at the Onassis Stegi in Athens.

It brought together First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus Union of Shipowners president Polys V. Hajioannou and senior figures from the Greek and Cypriot maritime communities.

According to mononews, attendees included Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Ioanna Prokopiou, Charikleia Mylona, Ioanna Martinou, Liona Bacha, Alexandra Gana, Chrysanthi Stefanou, Eleni Polychronopoulou, Irene Daifa and Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, as well as Cyprus’ ambassador to Greece, Stavros Avgoustides.

Human dimension of shipping

Hadjimanolis said Cyprus’ maritime industry should not be judged solely by the size of its fleet or its economic contribution, describing shipping as “above all, its people”.

She linked this human dimension to the sector’s longstanding charitable and community work in Cyprus and Greece. Shipping families, shipowners, companies and organisations have supported healthcare, education, social welfare, younger generations, culture and the environment, she said.

This support has included foundations, donations, scholarships and sponsorships, as well as assistance during natural disasters and other periods of crisis.

Women’s contribution

Hadjimanolis said the event was based on three closely connected ideas: women, shipping and social contribution.

Women have established an important role both professionally and through charitable foundations, family initiatives and wider community work, she said.

Addressing those present, Hadjimanolis said women in shipping had “paved the way and laid solid foundations for the generations to come”, adding that younger women were now building on that work.