Call for ABSTRACTS
#WMUGenderEquality
The concept of the blue economy is gaining momentum worldwide, presenting complex sustainability challenges that require diverse, innovative and equitable solutions. Central to addressing these challenges is gender equality, which is key to developing effective policies and ensuring successful implementation. Despite recent progress toward gender equality, women remain underrepresented across the blue economy sectors, particularly in leadership and technical positions, thus limiting the potential for diverse and innovative solutions.
To address these issues, the World Maritime University (WMU) will host an international conference from 19-21 May 2025 themed "Advancing the Blue Economy through Gender Equality". The Conference aims to highlight the importance of gender equality as a driver of sustainable growth across maritime, ocean science, fisheries, and other blue economy sectors.
As WMU’s fourth international conference focused on gender equality, the event will facilitate collaborative knowledge-sharing by exploring strategies, actions, good practices, and case studies. Key-note speakers, expert panel discussions and interactive participatory workshops will provide insight, networking opportunities and cross-sector dialogue among maritime and ocean professionals.
The Conference is structured around three thematic areas:
1: Safety at Sea & Environmental Protection
Gender equality can advance maritime safety and environmental protection through strategic initiatives, regulations, and good practices across the maritime and ocean sectors. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Gender perspectives in safety and technology
- Implication of gender in emergency situations, procedures, and responses
- The role of gender equality in contemporary marine environmental issues, such as decarbonization, biodiversity, marine debris, and ship recycling
2: Human Rights & Well-being
Gender equality intersects with human rights, touching on labour rights, fair and equal access and treatment in education/employment/career development, organizational culture, workforce diversity, work-life balance, and mental health and well-being. Discussions will highlight good practices and policies that promote gender equality. Specific aspects may include, but are not limited to:
- Human rights and social protection
- The role of States, companies, and workers to protect human rights at sea
- Inclusion of social minorities, not only women, but also indigenous people, vulnerable groups, and LGBTIQ+
- Zero tolerance policies against gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and bullying
3: Blue Economy
Gender equality is key to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy. This theme will examine this opportunity in the various blue economy sectors, including shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy and other ocean-related industries. Specific aspects include, but not limited to:
- Need of diversity and inclusion for complex decision-making
- Maritime and ocean governance and policy frameworks to support gender equality and women’s leadership
- Gender-responsive investment and financial mechanisms
The Conference Organizing Committee invites case study submissions for use in the workshops. Selected case studies will be distributed to participants prior to the Conference and will serve as discussion points during the workshops.
Submission
Abstract submissions (MS Word format) are due by 31 January 2025 to abstracts@wmu.se.
One-page abstracts (template provided) in line with the conference themes are welcome from researchers, professionals, and practitioners addressing gender equality in the blue economy at local, national, regional, or global levels. All submissions will undergo peer review, with selected abstracts published in an open-access Book of Abstracts through WMU’s Maritime Commons.
Key Dates
Abstract submissions (MS Word format) due to abstracts@wmu.se 31 January 2025
Notification of acceptance for the Book of Abstracts 15 March2025
Anticipated publication of Book of Abstracts on WMU’s Maritime Commons 15 April 2025
Book of Abstracts Editorial Team
- Dr. Momoko Kitada, Professor, Nippon Foundation Professorial Chair in Gender and Innovation; Head, Maritime Education & Training, World Maritime University
- Dr. Francis Neat, Professor, Sustainable Fisheries Management, Ocean Biodiversity and Marine Spatial Planning, Nippon Foundation Chair, World Maritime University
- Dr. Renis Auma Ojwala, Research Associate, World Maritime University