Today is 'World Maritime Day' which is been celebrated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the global shipping community. The theme for this year's event is "Empowering Women in the Maritime Community".

This provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and to highlight the important - yet under-utilized - contribution of women within the maritime sector.

"Gender equality has been recognized as one of the key platforms on which people can build a sustainable future. It is one of the 17 goals that underpin the UN's Sustainable Development Agenda, which countries all over the world have pledged to implement," said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

"Helping our Member States achieve the SDGs and deliver the 2030 Agenda is one of our key strategic directions. Gender equality and decent work for all are among those goals - SDGs 5 and 8- and, although we are highlighting the role of women in the maritime community this year, I want to stress that this is part of a continuing, long-term effort in support of these objectives," Mr. Lim said.

Empowering women fuels thriving economies across the world, spurs growth and development, and benefits everyone working in the global maritime community in the drive towards safe, secure, clean and sustainable shipping.

Watch the Turning the Tide video download and the World Maritime theme message from IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

In addition for further information in turning the tide to bring gender diversity visit the Women In Maritime IMO's Gender Programme