Africa-Press – Liberia. The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is organizing a two-day Women in Maritime Security Conference in Monrovia, which is aimed at strengthening women’s participation, leadership and innovation in the maritime domain.
The conference, held in collaboration with the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) and supported by the Government of Denmark through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, forms part of a broader initiative on Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
This year’s theme: “Steering Towards Progress: Women’s Contributions to Maritime Innovation,” spotlighted the growing impact of women in shaping the future of maritime security and governance across West and Central Africa.
Liberia-Ghana Maritime Partnership Reaffirmed
In his opening remarks, Professor Kwesi Aning, Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at KAIPTC, emphasized the historical and regional bond between Liberia and Ghana, describing the conference as a reflection of ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
“Women’s roles in the maritime environment have been consistently overlooked or sidelined,” Prof. Aning noted. “We must draw lessons from our history to bridge the gender gap in West Africa’s maritime sector. Let the legacy of women from previous generations guide our deliberations and inspire action.”
LiMA Highlights Women’s Transformative Role
Representing LiMA, John F. Harvey, Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessel Registration and Safety, praised the evolving contributions of women in the maritime industry, stating that they have “transformed traditions, enhanced safety, and fostered innovation.”
“From deckhands and engineers to captains, port executives, and marine scientists, women continue to break barriers,” Mr. Harvey said. “Their leadership brings diversity of thought and inclusivity, which strengthens the maritime sector as a whole.”
He further noted that women in senior roles across shipping companies and regulatory agencies have advanced policies promoting transparency, equity, and improved labor standards.
Citing data from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden, Mr. Harvey revealed that women represented 40 percent of the WMU’s 2025 graduating class, a significant stride toward gender parity in maritime education and leadership.
Denmark Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Inclusion
Speaking on behalf of the Danish Government, Benjamin Serebour, representative of the Embassy of Denmark in Accra, reaffirmed Denmark’s dedication to supporting women’s inclusion in maritime security and governance.
“The Government of Denmark continues to champion women’s empowerment through KAIPTC and international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),” Mr. Serebour said. “Our support extends beyond opportunities. We are also focused on addressing systemic obstacles that hinder women’s full participation in the maritime sector.”
Liberia’s Defense Ministry Pledges Support
For his part, Richard B. Kamara, Assistant Minister for Coast Guard Affairs at Liberia’s Ministry of National Defense, underscored Liberia’s commitment to gender inclusion in national and regional maritime frameworks.
“The Government of Liberia remains committed to ensuring women’s voices are heard and valued in governance and decision-making processes across all sectors,” Mr. Kamara affirmed.
Conference Outcome
The two-day forum featured interactive panel discussions on gender equality in maritime leadership, cultural and institutional barriers, and efforts to combat harassment and discrimination within the maritime industry.
Participants included delegates from the Governments of Liberia and Ghana, the Ghana Maritime Authority, Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), private sector representatives, and international maritime experts.
The gathering concluded with a renewed call for inclusive maritime governance, emphasizing that women’s full participation is essential for innovation, security, and sustainability across the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
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