WISTA Ghana and WIMOWCA Ghana Host Stakeholders to Mark International Day for Women in Maritime at BSM Maritime Training Center, Ghana
Women leaders and stakeholders across Ghana’s maritime, trade, and logistics sectors gathered on Monday, 18th May, 2026, for an impactful breakfast session to mark the International Day for Women in Maritime.
The event, jointly organized by the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Ghana and the Association of Women in Maritime in West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Ghana was on the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Inclusion,” Discussions focused on turning high-level gender inclusion commitments into concrete, everyday action.
Organizers also issued a powerful call to shift from discussion to implementation, noting that maritime excellence is achieved not only in boardrooms and policy documents, but in the practical, daily habits that sustain the industry.
The session strongly emphasized the vital role women play in the maritime sector, drawing inspiration from the collective strength of female professionals across the industry.
The International Day for Women in Maritime is officially recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is celebrated globally every year on 18th May to celebrate and accelerate the achievements of women in the industry.
Unified Goals
Speakers reminded participants that despite working in different organizations, they share a unified goal: breaking barriers in maritime, trade, and logistics to build a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable sector.
A former President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Mrs Regina Boateng, who chaired the event stressed the need necessity for enforcing gender equality alongside technical excellence to properly shape the future of maritime trade and logistics.
She encouraged participants to strategically position themselves for emerging roles that propel growth and challenge the status quo.
Inclusivity
The gathering also took a moment to acknowledge the Ghana Maritime Authority for its progressive role in advancing inclusivity and its continuous support for female empowerment across the sector.
A Freight Forwarding and Logistics Expert and the Chief Operating Officer of the Consolidated Shipping, Mrs Linda Vasnani in her keynote address stressed the urgent need to shatter stereotypes and create environments where women can thrive professionally, ensuring that maritime excellence becomes truly synonymous with gender equality.
Solidarity messages were also shared by representatives from the Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), GIFF Ladies, the Port Ladies Association, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, and MAERSK Ghana.
The occasion also hosted WISTA Ghana’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, which featured the election of a new executive team to steer the association’s affairs for the next two years.
The newly elected leadership team is led by President Stella Cobbah, and Alice Odoi as first Vice.
The Second Vice chair position went to Pauline Fleming-Adjei, with Doris Obuobi, and Naa Angerely Anterkyi being retained as Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.
Joining them in managing the association are Golda Rejoyce Achana treasure, Anita Biney as Assistant Treasure. The positions of Public Relations Officer and Webmaster went to Priscilla Ama Koufie, who will be assisted by Evelyn Arthur. Paulina Abrokwah, and Rose-Vera Nsiah were also elected as Organiser and Assistant Organizer.
Source : GMA
