On 18 May, the European Union’s Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP) organized a high-level seminar in Bridgetown to highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities related to gender equality within the maritime sector. It marks the observance of International Day for Women in Maritime, established by the International Maritime Organization in 2021.
The event, themed “Sailing Towards Equality,” brought together government officials, regional partners, maritime professionals, and stakeholders.
Implications for regional investment in the maritime sector are particularly high given the geographic realities Caribbean nations face. Linked, as well as distinguished by major bodies of water–the Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean–Thirteen Caribbean territories are reported members of SEACOP, including Dominica.
The organization shared via press release that the event shed light on the structural barriers women face in maritime careers, such as limited access to training, advancement opportunities, and leadership positions. Maritime livelihood is a broad umbrella that encompasses various jobs related to ships, vessels, and waterways, including both seafaring and land-based roles.
According to the organization, these challenges are particularly pronounced in maritime security, law enforcement, and leadership roles, an area vital for tackling transnational crime, protecting coastal communities, and enhancing maritime governance throughout the Caribbean. This seminar focused on addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in these areas. Creating more inclusive spaces for women is seen as essential to strengthening the sector’s capacity to respond effectively to these complex issues.
The event reportedly facilitated a series of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and breakout sessions that explored regional policy reforms, women’s leadership in maritime law enforcement, and practical steps to close existing gaps in recruitment, career development, and access. Participants also examined ways to foster a more inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue and excel in maritime careers.
In addition to dialogue, the seminar featured practical initiatives such as the Joint Maritime Control Unit (JMCU) Basic Course, delivered in partnership with the Regional Security System (RSS). This hands-on training aimed to strengthen operational capacity and promote inclusion on the ground, exemplifying the seminar’s commitment to long-term support and capacity building.
This year’s observance marked a milestone: ten years of partnership between SEACOP and Barbados, launched in 2016. Over this decade, SEACOP revealed, it has made substantial contributions to regional maritime security, delivering more than 60 training courses to over 650 officers, supporting the establishment of 14 JMCUs and 13 Maritime Intelligence Units (MIUs), and fostering stronger cooperation across Caribbean nations.
The event also coincided with Europe Month in Barbados, providing an opportunity for the European Union to reflect on its partnership with Caribbean countries and the progress achieved toward building safer, more inclusive societies.
As part of this celebration, officials and participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the security and resilience of Caribbean maritime spaces.
European Union Ambassador to Barbados, Malgorzata Wasilewska, emphasized the importance of gender diversity across the board, remarking, “Gender-diverse teams are more effective, more resilient, and better equipped to handle the complexities of modern threats—from transnational organised crime to environmental challenges.”
He added that the EU is proud to support such efforts in the sector within the Caribbean region.
