The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) have created the new Maritime Speakers Bureau platform, a speaker bank for women in shipping, aiming to end the tradition of all-male speaker panels, sometimes referred to as “manels”.
This will promote different role models and eliminate the excuse that ‘I can’t find a female speaker’ as it will simplify the process of finding speakers. Registration and use by speakers and organisers is free of charge.
Once registered, speakers can contact conference and event organisers with their requests via the email system on the Speakers’ Bureau website.
Speakers are free to accept or decline the invitation to speak. If they decline, they may propose someone else if can replace them. Conference organisers can search the list by sectors, topics and countries.
According to IMO, the Office of Maritime Speakers website seeks positive engagement by asking people to sign one or more of its pledges: for speakers, organizers and sponsors.
Meanwhile, WISTA International elected their new President, Elpi Petraki, from WISTA Hellas, at its Annual General Meeting yesterday, on 26 October, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Elpi Petraki commented, “Diversity and inclusion in maritime have never been in the spotlight like today and whilst much has been achieved in recent times, there is still a great deal to be done. WISTA International has a powerful voice that must be heard, continuing to raise awareness for the incredible contribution women make to the industry.”
