Sister Associations

A central component of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Gender Program is establishing professional associations and networks of women in maritime (WIMAs). These networks provide opportunities for technical collaboration, experience sharing, and mutual support, helping to break down the institutional and cultural barriers that have historically limited women’s entry into and growth within the sector.

Under the auspices of the IMO, eight regional associations have been formed and now bring together participants from 152 countries and territories. These networks promote activities such as career guidance workshops, health initiatives, training, and awareness campaigns, as well as strengthening technical capacities.

Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs) are regional networks established to promote gender equality and support women’s active participation in the maritime and port industry.

Organized in regions such as Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Arab States, these associations provide women with a platform to discuss technical and gender-related issues.

There are currently nine regional associations:

• Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWIMA), established in February 2004;
• Network of Professional Women in Maritime and Port Sectors for West and Central Africa (NPWMP-WCA), established in February 2007.
• Women in Maritime Association in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA), established in December 2007.
• Women in Maritime Association Asia (WIMA Asia), established in January 2010.
• Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC), established in April 2015.
• Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), created in October 2017.
• Network of Women in Maritime Authorities in Latin America (Red-MAMLa), established in December 2017.
• Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), established in July 2021.
• Woman in Maritime Europe (WIMA Europe), established in June 2026.

Together with our sister associations, the WIMAs are responsible for leading actions that promote an inclusive environment, reduce institutional, technical, professional, and cultural barriers, and empower women to achieve a greater presence in maritime, port, and logistics areas around the world.

We invite you to learn about the other WIMAs around the world through their websites and social media profiles!