Education is the key to advancing gender equality in shipping in International Shipping News 16/05/2026 The World Maritime University’s (WMU) Professor Momoko Kitada and WISTA’s Elpi Petraki identify education as the heart of the matter for empowering women across the maritime industries For the first time, the cohort for WMU’s MSc programme in Malmö reached gender parity in the Class of 2026. It is a major milestone for industry diversity and inclusion, but it is also just a start, say experts involved in training and mentoring women as the IMO celebrates the 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May. Education is key to addressing challenges and ways forward according to former seafarer Professor Momoko Kitada, WMU Academic Dean, Head of Maritime Education and Training (MET) and Nippon Foundation Professorial Chair, and Elpi Petraki, WISTA International President who is also Chartering, Operations and Business Development Manager at Greek shipowner ENEA Management. Education and training are the most impactful ways to instil diversity and inclusion in shipping to match the aspirations behind the IMO’s theme for Women in Maritime Day 2026, ‘From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence’. “In order to have a sustainable future, we must have gender equality,” says Professor Kitada. “I would say education and training is definitely the most effective intervention, but it takes time. It’s a long-term investment.” Petraki agrees: “Education is essential. One of the barriers that women face in advancing in their careers is confidence in themselves and what they know. Access to further education and training can help them become better professionals and gain the skills they need to progress. “Education also has a role to play in attracting people to the industry and in making sure we don’t lose talent to other sectors,” Petraki added. “The industry needs a diverse pool of people, and education and training deliver long-term value