Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis highlighted the importance of empowering women in the maritime sector during the WISTA Cyprus International Women’s Day 2026 celebration.
Speaking at the event, Hadjimanolis expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome she received from the WISTA community since taking office in 2023, noting that one of the first events she attended as Deputy Minister was a WISTA Cyprus gathering marking the same occasion.
She described International Women’s Day as an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to reflect on the progress still needed, particularly in the maritime sector, which has traditionally been viewed as male-dominated.
Hadjimanolis emphasized that women in maritime bring valuable expertise, resilience, creativity, and leadership to the industry, qualities that strengthen organisations, improve decision-making, and support innovation across the sector.
She also acknowledged the significant role played by WISTA in advancing women’s participation in maritime through networking, mentorship, and increased visibility.
While noting the progress made, Hadjimanolis stressed that continued efforts are necessary to promote equal opportunities and diversity within the industry. She underlined that attracting talent is essential for the future of shipping and that opportunities should be accessible to both women and men.
The Deputy Minister also announced that Cyprus will host the Cyprus Presidency Conference on Equal Opportunities and Inclusion in Maritime on 12 May in Brussels, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and maritime professionals from across Europe to discuss ways to advance inclusivity within the sector.
Concluding her remarks, Hadjimanolis congratulated WISTA Cyprus for its ongoing efforts in supporting women in maritime and building a strong professional community, encouraging continued collaboration to foster a more inclusive and dynamic maritime industry.
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