Holding of the 1st Annual General Assembly and Conference of the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) in Senegal

From 06 to 07 December 2022, was held in Dakar, Senegal, precisely at the King Fahd Palace Hotel, the first Annual General Assembly and Conference of the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), on the central theme: “Transitioning to a Decarbonized, Digitalized and sustainable Shipping.”

The official opening of the Conference was made by Mr. Papa Sagna MBAYE, Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, who pledged to “support women working in the maritime sector, to promote positive discrimination, so that they can rise to the top and occupy positions of responsibility like men.

Thirteen countries were represented: Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The IMO was represented by Ms. Mariana Noceti, Mr. Dallas Laryea and Ms. Edwige Ogoula.

Organizations such as the Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAFRICA), the Women in Maritime Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA), the Network of Professional Women in Maritime and Port Sectors of West and Central Africa (NPWMP-WCA), and the Women in Shipping and Trade Associations (WISTA), also took part in the conference along with several Senegalese governmental bodies, namely the National Agency for Maritime Affairs (ANAM), the Conseil Senegalais des Chargeurs (COSEC), the National Armament (COSAMA), etc.

The first day of the conference focused on capacity building for sustainable maritime transport in Africa, smart ports and maritime policy challenges for a sustainable maritime industry in Africa, as well as on the decarbonization of maritime transport. Also, in the evening of the first day, was held the Annual General Assembly of WIMOWCA Senegal. The second day focused on diversity management, women’s leadership and empowerment in the maritime community and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Also, a presentation of the members of the Executive Board of WIMOWCA Senegal was made to the whole assembly present.

According to Mrs. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, Continental President of WIMOWCA “Sustainable maritime development would require inclusive participation of all, men and women, if we are to succeed in our endeavour in that regard. It is therefore crucial that as the women who shoulder the greater responsibility of providing inspiration, mentorship, and influence on policy making to be guided by the objectives of our great Association in everything that we do.”

For Mrs. ADANLETE LAWSON Akuélé Yevona, Continental President of WIMAFRICA, this first Annual General Assembly and Conference of the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) is an opportunity for women to benefit from the experiences of maritime experts and also to exchange on the practices and role of women for the promotion of the sustainable maritime sector.

A total of ten (10) resolutions were adopted by the delegates, including the use of digital technology; the need for long-term national strategies in the region, aligned with UN conventions, to promote economic growth while protecting marine ecosystems; access to leadership training for women; the development of policies to prevent marine litter; the fight against maritime piracy; and the need for political support to sustain the decarbonization of maritime transport.

Note that the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) is part of the IMO’s Women in the Maritime Sector Program. WIMOWCA is the eighth regional association to be established as part of IMO’s strategy to enhance the contribution of women as key stakeholders in the maritime sector.

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