Tides Are Turning: Women at the Helm, Accelerating Change

For ages, the open seas have been an exclusive boys’ club, a no-woman’s land where tradition dictated, “stay ashore.” But that tide is turning. Women, long sidelined in the maritime sector, are stepping forward—not just seeking inclusion but claiming leadership.

“I was told the maritime sector was not for women, but we refuse to accept that anymore. We are not just part of this sector. We are its future.” shared Sagal Abdirizak, Gender/Women in the Maritime Secor (WIMS) Focal Point for Somalia's Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.”

The question of whether women belong in the maritime sector is no longer up for debate that matter is settled. The focus now is on enhancing inclusion and retention. It is essential to amplify this message: the industry has evolved, and women contribute as meaningfully as their male counterparts.   

From February 10 to 13, 2025, the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) hosted a WIMS Workshop in Mombasa, Kenya, equipping participants with leadership and maritime security skills. Historically underrepresented in the field, women engaged with key stakeholders, including Somalia’s Federal Government, Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, and various security forces. This initiative, backed by the Kingdom of Denmark through the Peace and Stabilization Programme, marked a major step toward gender inclusion and capacity-building.

The Women in the Maritime Sector Initiative was established in 2019 by the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport (MPMT) and the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development (MOFHRD) of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), with support from the international community. The initiative was officially launched in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower Somali women by providing leadership and economic growth opportunities in the maritime sector. WIMS focuses on breaking down barriers to participation, enhancing leadership roles, and fostering economic opportunities within the blue economy and the maritime sector. Recognizing the sector's vast potential, WIMS prioritizes education, employment opportunities, investment access, and maritime security to ensure women's full integration into Somalia's maritime domain.

This workshop is a decisive response to the International Women’s Day 2025 theme: "Accelerate Action." The urgency of gender equality cannot be overstated, especially in industries where women remain underrepresented. The maritime sector, a cornerstone of global trade and national development, must no longer be an exception. Deputy Minister H.E. Hanan Abdiasis Bare of the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development made it clear that change must happen now: "Supporting women in the maritime industry is not just about fairness; it is about unlocking the full potential of our country. This year’s International Women’s Day theme serves as a call to remove obstacles and empower women to step into leadership roles without delay. At the current pace of progress, gender equality in the maritime sector will not be achieved until 2158, nearly five generations from now. That is unacceptable. The time for change is not tomorrow; it is today. If we delay, we risk leaving generations behind. We will not let that happen."

The workshop equipped Somali and Kenyan women with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive long-lasting change. Through dynamic panel discussions and scenario-based exercises, participants explored leadership development, maritime law enforcement, and policy advocacy, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills in real-world maritime security situations. The sessions addressed key challenges, including combating transnational organized crime, promoting gender inclusivity, and ensuring women's safety at sea. More than just discussions, the workshop fostered active collaboration, with participants developing concrete recommendations to secure long-term funding for the WIMS initiative.

Recognizing the need for policy reform and gender-inclusive governance, Halima Ali, Head of the Gender Department at the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development, emphasized the government's role in ensuring equal access to opportunities: "Our ministry has a responsibility to break barriers, advocate for gender-inclusive policies, and create pathways for women to build successful careers in this sector. I am committed to ensuring that women are not just included but empowered to lead and thrive in maritime."

Her statement aligns with ongoing efforts to establish policies that support women's leadership and career advancement in the maritime industry.

Hawo Haji, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Adviser to the Office of National Security, highlighted the importance of including women in security strategies: "The discussions and knowledge shared in this workshop have provided valuable insights that reinforce key aspects of the WPS strategy. Topics such as capacity-building, inclusive security, and policy development were explored, highlighting the importance of ensuring women’s contributions across all security domains. While maritime security presents unique challenges and opportunities, the broader goal remains clear: active participation in security is not just essential but necessary. This workshop has underscored the urgency of advancing policies recognizing and supporting women’s roles in the sector."

A key highlight was the participation of both Somali and Kenyan officers, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experiences. Officers from both countries shared best practices in maritime enforcement, discussed common challenges, and explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing maritime crimes and the enhancement of females in leadership roles. This collaborative effort not only strengthened relationships between the two nations but also laid the foundation for future joint initiatives in combating maritime crimes and promoting gender diversity in leadership positions within law enforcement agencies. The diverse perspectives and insights shared during the exchange will undoubtedly contribute to more effective and inclusive strategies for maritime security in the region.

Institutional support has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. H.E. Hanan Abdiasis Bare has pledged full commitment to the cause, stating: "We are dedicated to working with UNODC to ensure Somali women have access to the skills, opportunities, and leadership roles they deserve in this crucial industry. Their participation is essential to building a stable, prosperous, and inclusive maritime sector." This reaffirmation underscores the government's dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering women in maritime security.

For women in maritime security, breaking barriers is more than symbolic—it’s a lived experience. One such pioneer is Police Constable Ann Chege a female national instructor leading training for security personnel: “Being the only female national instructor is not just a title it’s a responsibility and a privilege. Every time I step into the training room, I see an opportunity to break barriers and inspire change. I train with the hope that more women will rise, take on leadership roles, and prove that they belong at the forefront of maritime security.”

Ayan Keynan, Project Officer for UNODC,highlighted UNODC’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion in maritime security efforts. "This workshop is just the beginning of a much-needed transformation in Somalia's maritime sector. In line with this year's theme, Accelerate Action, UNODC is committed to ensuring that women are included and take on leadership roles in maritime law enforcement, economic development, and decision-making processes. Future plans focus on expanding the initiative further to integrate women into law enforcement and maritime governance, fostering lasting regional impact. As part of this effort, UNODC is preparing to host another WIMS workshop in Mogadishu in late 2025, reinforcing women's roles in Somalia's maritime sector.”

The more we invest in women, the stronger and more resilient our maritime security framework will become.

Effective leadership comes from ability, not tradition.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Mostafa Elbanna (Mostafa.Elbanna@un.org)

Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden and Red Sea Programme Coordinator

Global Maritime Crime Programme

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Click here to visit the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme website.