Marshall Islands celebrates International Women in Maritime Day with inspiring Uliga Dock Event

On May 16, the Marshall Islands marked International IMO Women in Maritime Day with a vibrant celebration at Uliga Dock, honoring the vital contributions of women in the maritime industry. The event drew maritime professionals, students, and community members together to spotlight female leadership and advocate for greater gender inclusivity in the sector.

Minister of Transport, Hon. Hilton Kendall, opened the event with a powerful message of support for women in maritime, stating, “The ocean has never cared about gender – only capability. Our industry must reflect that same wisdom.”

The highlight of the day was a panel featuring three rising female leaders in the RMI maritime sector: Atina Schutz of the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST), Bolista Kabua from RMI’s Sea Patrol, and Lina Harry, one of the first trainees from the Jela Meto Maritime program, now pursuing a career in Sea Patrol. Kabua affirmed the growing role of women in the industry, saying, “Today, women have taken their rightful place: on the decks, in the engine room, on the helm, and in the boardrooms. We are not figureheads—we are navigators.”

Educational sessions at the CMI Jela Meto Center and GIZ Office provided insights into maritime careers and training pathways. Attendees also toured the Sea Patrol vessel Lomor 3 and MV Kwajalein, gaining firsthand experience of life at sea and interacting with crew members. The event underscored the Marshall Islands’ commitment to empowering women in maritime and building a more inclusive future for the industry.