Deputy Minister for Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis on Monday called for deeper inclusion of women in the maritime industry, during the ministry’s third annual event in Limassol to mark the International Day for Women in Maritime.

Addressing a still male-dominated sector, Hadjimanolis said the day was an opportunity to recognise the growing contributions of women in shipping and to highlight the work still needed to close the gender gap.

The gathering brought together government officials, shipping professionals and gender equality advocates to celebrate the contribution of women in the sector, while also emphasising the work still needed to close the gap. 

Deputy Minister for Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis welcomed attendees by expressing her appreciation for their presence and stressed the importance of the day, which she said is dedicated to “recognising the role and contribution of women in the shipping sector.” 

This year’s theme, ‘An Ocean of Opportunities for Women’, she noted, reflected the expanding prospects for women in an industry long defined by male dominance. 

“There is significant progress,” Hadjimanolis said, pointing to the increasing presence of women in roles ranging from captains and engineers to senior directors and government officials. 

During the event, the ‘Gender Equality Award in Cyprus Shipping’ was presented for the second time.  

This year’s recipient, Julia Anastasiou Chief Crew Management Officer, at OSM Thome, was honoured for her career in shipping and her contribution to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime field. 

The Deputy Minister also made special mention of Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou, thanking her for her close cooperation and continued support over the years. 

In her address, Christodoulou underlined the need for a shared commitment between the public and private sectors.  

She said that only through active collaboration between institutions could an inclusive maritime environment be built, one in which women are able to thrive. 

She stressed the importance of “synergy between government bodies and the cooperation between the public and private sectors to achieve an inclusive maritime environment, where women can stand out and contribute without hindrance.” 

Finally, Hadjimanolis said that government “remains committed to advancing a fair, equal and inclusive maritime community in Cyprus”.