International Day for Women in Maritime Observed on 18 May
The International Day for Women in Maritime is observed on 18 May. The 2026 UN/IMO event in London had the theme "From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence," linked to SDG 5.
The International Day for Women in Maritime is observed every year on 18 May to recognise and promote the role of women in the global maritime sector. The day was marked in 2026 with a special event in London held by the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The 2026 event was held under the theme "From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence." The observance aims to encourage more women to join, be recruited into, and stay employed in maritime professions such as shipping, ports and navigation.
The International Maritime Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations that deals with the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution. The day also supports the wider goal of gender equality under United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).
For exam aspirants, the key facts are the date (18 May), the 2026 theme, that the IMO is a UN agency for shipping, and the link to SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Key Points to Remember
- Day: International Day for Women in Maritime — observed 18 May
- 2026 event held in London by the UN and IMO
- 2026 theme: "From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence"
- IMO = UN specialised agency for shipping safety and marine pollution
- Linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality)
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Important Days, International Organisations — IMO, SDGs) and SSC/Banking General Awareness.
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