Pacific Women In Maritime Association - PacWIMA

17/02/2026

23/01/2026

Vanuatu has reinforced its leadership role in promoting gender equality in the maritime sector by hosting a national consultation as part of the regional validation process for the Revised Regional

23/01/2026

The Kiribati In-Country Consultation for the Regional Strategy for Pacific Women in Maritime 2025–2030. Technical facilitation by SPC Consultant Ms Ore Toua and PacWIMA Executive Committee member Ms Seloni Toakuru.

Key Outcomes Kiribati reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s participation and leadership in the maritime sector. Stakeholder inputs strengthened the draft Regional Strategy, ensuring it reflects local realities and regional aspirations. Recognition of the Strategy’s role in creating safe, equitable, and supportive maritime work environments for women.

02/07/2024

Thrilled to share the profiles of women in the maritime field in the Solomon Islands!

SIWIMA Visibility

Mary Lovoli is 34 years and is from Guadalcanal and Malaita. She is a Operation Admin Assistant at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA). Ms. Lovoli is a Solomon Islands National University Graduate with a Diploma of Youth & Development Work. She also obtained a Certificate in Maritime & Port Security and Port Senior Management from the Galilee International Management Institute via online studies.

Ms. Lovoli's motivational statement for girls and women who would like to pursue careers in the maritime sector is, to be part of the Women in maritime (SIWIMA) team so we can foster diversity and driving positive change in the maritime industry in our country and go for opportunities available in maritime, including technical, administrative, and leadership.

02/07/2024

Happy Seafarer's Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of seafarers around the world. Your resilience and commitment keep global trade moving and ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.

This year, join us in our 2024 campaign by sharing your top safety tip at sea with a picture of your working environment using the hashtag . Your insights can make a difference and promote a culture of safety across the maritime community.

Thank you for your unwavering service and dedication. Stay safe, and smooth sailing!

02/07/2024

03/07/2023

At the recent IMO negotiations meeting of the 14th & 15th Intersessional Working Group – GHG and the 80th Marine Environment Pollution Committee (MEPC80), held in London. Delegates included several Pacific women participants, including two of our PacWIMA Executives’ Members; Diana Vasula (Solomon Islands) and Seloni Toakuru (Vanuatu).
As the presence of women delegates from the maritime sector represented their individual Pacific Island countries, the IMO main hall saw a unity of Pacific women collectively collaborating, participating, and advocating for all women. It is encouraging to see the inclusion and representation of women at these high-level meetings that align with our Regional Strategy for Pacific Women in Maritime.
Whilst we continue to advocate at the IMO meeting on the 1.5 degree Celsius alignment with the Paris Agreement as Small Islands Developing States (SIDs) and Least Developed Counties (LDCs) on matters concerning international maritime shipping, we are also ensuring that the presence of women at the IMO serves as an inspiration and catalyst for other regions and organizations’ to prioritize gender equality in the maritime industry. We will continue to advocate for fostering an environment where women’s participation is valued and supported and sets a positive example for the international community with the support from our male counterparts.

16/06/2023

The meeting of the WiMA Regional Presidents was supported during the Global Conference of the IMO Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs), at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters, in London. It was an opportunity to connect the entities and tighten the bonds for them to navigate a way forward. Charting the course of women empowerment for the women in the maritime sector is high priority.

Ms. Anene Kejela Wodajo, President, Association for Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA) Kenya Womesa
Ms. Makerita Atonio, Vice-Chairperson, Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWIMA) Pacific Women In Maritime Association - PacWIMA
Ms. Florentine Guihard-Koidio, President, Network of Professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sectors for West and Central Africa (NPWMP-WCA)
Ms. Merle San Pedro, President, Women in Maritime Association, Asia (WIMA Asia)
Ms. Shireene Galal Mounir, Director, Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA)
Ms. Elvia Bustavino, President, Latin America Women's Maritime Association (Red MAMLa)
• Ms. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, President, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA)
• Ms. Tamara Lowe, President, Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WIMAC)

16/06/2023

15/06/2023

Australia and Mongolia in Sydney co-hosted the 23rd Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) forum. One of the initiatives covered is to support women in the maritime sector. A vital outcome of the forum was agreement on the importance of drafting a Global Strategy for Women in Maritime Associations.
refer to the link for more

The 2023 Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) forum, co-hosted by Australia and Mongolia in Sydney, has concluded with key actions centred around continued collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas and increase safety for mariners.

30/05/2023

The beautiful Maritime women 😍 from Tuvalu 🇹🇻 ID4WIM 💙⚓️