In the maritime sector, women are driving impactful changes, setting a course for a more sustainable future. According to the Global Maritime Trends 2050 Report, women accounted for less than 2% of the global seafaring workforce in 2021, yet this figure is projected to reach 25% by 2050. On this year’s International Day for Women in Maritime, the Climate Champions Team and Lloyd’s Register Foundation heard from women who are committed to building a fair, net-zero, and resilient maritime sector.
Aideé Saucedo Dávila, a Technical Officer at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO), focuses on crafting global regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. With 15 years of experience in environmental policy and international climate negotiations, she actively contributes to shaping international shipping’s role in addressing climate challenges. “When I first attended IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meetings, I was struck by the high level of technical detail and the critical need to regulate the billion tonnes of CO₂ emitted annually by global shipping,” says Saucedo Dávila. “Now, as part of IMO’s Climate Action and Clean Air section, I am driven by the work to advance global climate policies for a sustainable ocean.”
Role Models and Challenges for Women in Maritime
In Saucedo Dávila’s view, many women serve as strong role models in the maritime sector. Figures like Heike Deggim, Director of IMO’s Marine Environment Division, Katharine Palmer, the UK’s High-Level Climate Champion, and Sian Prior, Lead Advisor at the Clean Arctic Alliance, inspire her. These women, coming from academia, public service, and the private sector, have all contributed to the adoption of the IMO’s 2023 strategy to reduce GHG emissions. “Their work in promoting global regulations to curb emissions is truly inspiring and has made a significant impact,” she says.
Yet, challenges persist for women in this field. The 2021 IMO-WISTA report showed that female representation at the IMO accounted for only 21% of delegates from 174 member states. While women now have a place at the table, establishing authority and influence in negotiations remains challenging. Saucedo Dávila sees collaboration between men and women as vital in closing the authority gap, enabling women to play a more substantial role in shaping climate policy in maritime.
Opportunities Ahead and Inspiring Future Generations
Saucedo Dávila believes that, with increased participation of women in maritime, the sector could make significant strides in reducing emissions. “With the right educational and professional opportunities for women, maritime and port infrastructures could become more resilient, air pollutants could be reduced, and coastal areas could be better prepared for natural disasters,” she explains. For her, the sustainable future of maritime relies on men and women working together to foster a cleaner ocean and a low-carbon economy before the impacts of climate change further affect human and natural systems.
She encourages young women considering a career in maritime to explore their connection with the ocean. “Only by understanding our relationship with the ocean can we grasp its generosity and the need to protect it. I also advise them to build strong networks and mentorship ties with other women along the way—because, together, we can achieve much more than we can alone.”
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