Women in Maritime Association Asia (WIMA Asia) was established on 9 November 2017 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as part of a global initiative to increase the participation and advancement of women across the maritime sector. Anchored in the shared commitment to inclusivity and professional growth, WIMA Asia brings together member states across the region to support, connect, and empower women in both seafaring and shore-based roles.

The association held its inaugural Regional Conference in Timor-Leste, aligning its vision with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting gender equality and sustainable economic growth. Representing a truly regional effort, 16 countries participated in this landmark event, and the Philippines was designated as the Secretariat of WIMA Asia, reinforcing the region’s collaborative spirit and leadership in advancing women in maritime.

The WIMA Asia Governing Council was formed through election, with membership comprising ten countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Pakistan, and Thailand.

ENCOURAGE the maritime industry and its stakeholders to develop and strengthen gender-neutral operational frameworks, which support access of women to employment opportunities, career advancement and mobility towards the highest level, based on qualifications and experience.

ENDEAVOUR as WIMA Asia members to pursue initiatives to put in place national WIMAs which will call attention to the importance of harnessing the potential of women as contributors to the maritime sector in particular and society in general;

PURSUE initiatives that support WIMA Asia climate action and a network platform to be established for WIMA national chapters in a knowledge hub and build support and address gender empowerment

NOTING World Maritime University has 6,090 Alumni from 170 Countries of which 50% is from the ASIA region. Therefore, we urge ASIA Countries to acknowledge the availability of human resource to drive the change in overcoming challenges that ASIA face in the maritime sector and consider promoting women in maritime career.

WE DECLARE to commit and agree:

Work towards enhancing greater awareness of the role of women as a valuable resource to the maritime industry and to the promotion of safe, secure and efficient shipping and the protection of the environment by harmonising standards and protecting local environment through decarbonisation and digitalization of ships in compliance with the IMO role;

Actively support the development of green maritime corridor led by WIMA ROK with full support from WIMA Asia;

Advocate visibility and transparency in block chain technology by continuous efforts and training via strong collaboration between industry and administration;

Actively support the development of Master Plan for Empowerment Women in Maritime Industry with the WIMA Asia through Smart C-Women programs of the IMO.