Women in Maritime Network

During the 2017 London International Shipping Week, then Maritime Minister Rt Hon John Hayes MP called for industry to address gender imbalance in the sector.

In 2018, Maritime UK established the Women in Maritime programme to address gender fairness, equality and inclusion within the maritime sector. A Taskforce was created to bring together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime, and crucially within senior roles across its shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.

In 2019, the Minister for Transport released the Maritime 2050 People Route Map which celebrated the work of Women in Maritime and called for Maritime UK to expand on these foundations to develop Diversity in Maritime. Women in Maritime continues to operate as an open network, and we call upon the sector to get involved.

We know that achieving a balanced workforce at all levels in the maritime sector will undoubtedly improve culture, behaviour, outcomes, profitability and productivity.

Deborah Layde, Chair of Women in Maritime Network said:

“Maritime UK's influence in promoting maritime as a sector where women can truly thrive has been pivotal, particularly through the efforts of the Women in Maritime (WiM) meetings and initiatives. These efforts have fostered greater collaboration and mutual support across the industry, leading to significant progress in improving diversity and inclusion. It is also very flattering to see that the success of WiM has inspired the creation of breakaway groups, which have themselves become thriving networks. I feel deeply honoured to carry forward this legacy, continuing the important work started to make the maritime sector more inclusive and supportive for women."