The President of the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMA) Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, has called for deliberate policies and career opportunities to prepare more women for leadership positions across Nigeria’s Blue Economy, stressing that meaningful gender inclusion must go beyond encouraging participation to creating clear pathways for professional advancement.
Speaking in her goodwill message at the Gender & Blue Economy Conference 3.0, themed, “Building Career Pipelines: Advancing the Next Generation of Women’s Participation and Leadership Across Blue Economy Sectors”, Nwaeze said Nigeria’s efforts to unlock the economic potential of its oceans, waterways, ports, fisheries and marine resources must include women at all levels of the industry, particularly in decision-making positions.
She said the industry must move beyond simply encouraging women’s participation to deliberately preparing, positioning and empowering them to assume leadership responsibilities.
According to her, sustainable career pathways are necessary to enable women to acquire relevant skills, gain professional experience, access opportunities, rise through the ranks and occupy positions of influence.
“Participation alone is not enough. We must build sustainable career pathways that enable women to acquire the necessary skills, gain professional experience, access opportunities, rise through the ranks, and occupy positions of influence and decision-making”, she said.
The WIMA president noted that the next generation of women should not be limited to aspiring to become maritime professionals, marine scientists, seafarers, entrepreneurs and administrators, but should also be equipped to become chief executives, policymakers, investors, institutional leaders and innovators capable of shaping the future of the Blue Economy.
She emphasised that achieving this objective would require practical interventions beyond advocacy, identifying mentorship, capacity development, strategic partnerships, access to opportunities and deliberate leadership development as essential components.
Theodora reaffirmed WIMA Nigeria Chapter’s commitment to supporting an inclusive maritime industry where women, irrespective of their backgrounds, have the opportunity to develop professionally, excel and assume leadership responsibilities.
She urged stakeholders across government, the private sector, academia and development institutions to strengthen collaboration towards building effective career pipelines for women.
She said an enabling environment must be created where competence is recognised, opportunities are accessible and leadership structures accommodate greater inclusion.
Addressing young women, Nwaeze described the Blue Economy as a frontier of immense opportunities, urging them to build their capacity, embrace innovation and prepare themselves to take up leadership roles.
She said the future of the maritime industry required their talent, vision and contributions, adding that young women must position themselves to play active roles in the sector’s growth and transformation.
The WIMA president further stressed that women must have a place not only in the workforce but also at the decision-making table if the economic opportunities of the Blue Economy were to be fully harnessed.
“The true awakening of the Blue Economy is not complete until women are empowered to participate in its prosperity and positioned to lead its transformation”, she said.
Theodora commended the Gender & Blue Economy Working Group, CGE Africa and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy for their commitment to promoting gender inclusion, sustainable development and women’s empowerment across the Blue Economy.
She expressed optimism that the conference would produce meaningful outcomes towards advancing women’s participation, economic empowerment and leadership across maritime and other Blue Economy sectors.