WMU’s Professor Momoko Kitada Wins 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award
Professor Momoko Kitada, Nippon Foundation Professorial Chair in Gender and Innovation and Head of Maritime Education & Training (MET) at the World Maritime University (WMU), has been named the recipient of the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award.
Her nomination, submitted by Japan, was officially endorsed by the IMO Council during its 135th session in London (20–21 November 2025). The award will be presented in May 2026 to coincide with celebrations for the International Day for Women in Maritime.
IMO Gears Up Seafarers for Future Fuels and Emerging Maritime Technologies
The honour recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment within the global maritime sector.
A Global Voice for Diversity and Inclusion
According to the Assessment Panel, Professor Kitada’s influence reaches far beyond her academic role in Malmö, Sweden. Her teaching, research and leadership have inspired generations of maritime professionals and contributed to meaningful, lasting policy and institutional change across multiple countries.
Her work bridges the worlds of academia, policy and practice, with the panel praising her “quiet yet transformative leadership style” and her exceptional ability to guide both women and men in integrating gender perspectives into maritime governance.
From the Sea to the Classroom
A former seafarer with a PhD in Social Science from Cardiff University, Professor Kitada joined WMU in 2011. Today, she serves as Full Professor and Head of MET, and coordinates programmes across maritime energy management, maritime decarbonization, sustainable development, digitalization and innovation.
She has 20 years of research experience on gender issues in maritime and ocean spaces and is a certified Gender Audit Facilitator as well as a certified expert in monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment. Professor Kitada also leads WMU’s collaboration with the IMO to promote the integration of women across the maritime sector.
Letters of Commendation: Honouring Global Champions
Alongside the main award, the IMO Council announced Letters of Commendation for several nominees whose work has significantly advanced gender equality in maritime industries worldwide. They include:
Mr. Marcos Tinti (Brazil): Recognized for reforms at Companhia Brasileira de Offshore (CBO) that promoted diversity in the offshore sector.
Mrs. Mariana Pescatori Candido da Silva (Brazil): Honoured for strengthening gender perspectives within the Ministry of Ports and Airports.
Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou (Greece): Celebrated for pioneering recruitment of women into technical maritime roles and raising visibility for female marine engineers across Europe.
Commodore Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano (Philippines): A trailblazer in the Philippine Coast Guard who championed women’s advancement throughout Southeast Asia.
Ms. Elisa D. Chomi (Philippines): The country's first female Chief Engineer, inspiring women to pursue senior technical roles at sea.
Rear Admiral Mitzie Silva-Campo (Philippines): Commended for advancing gender-responsive policies and opening pathways for women to achieve flag rank.
Ms. Christine Duffy (CLIA): Recognized for raising female representation across Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet through strong executive leadership and mentorship initiatives.
About the IMO Gender Equality Award
Established by the International Maritime Organization, the award honours individuals of any gender who have made significant contributions to empowering women in maritime sectors.
Nominations for the 2026 edition were reviewed by an Assessment Panel chaired by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, with representatives from IMO Member States, the IMOGENder Network, ITF, WISTA International, CLIA, and the Chair of the Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee.
This year’s recognition of Professor Kitada reinforces IMO’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, diverse and equitable maritime future—one where women are empowered to lead, innovate and shape the global maritime landscape.
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