The 5^th edition of the International Day of Women in the Maritime Sector will be celebrated on Monday 18 May 2026 under the theme "From policy to practice: advancing gender equality for maritime excellence".

In the run-up to this celebration, the Association of Women in the Maritime Sector in Cameroon (WIMACAMEROON), chaired by Mrs. Claire Onana Takouchop, Director of Shippers' Assistance at the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC), organised a conference on Friday 15 May 2026 at the CNSC head office.

Discussions during the conference focused on two main areas: the academic curriculum in the maritime and port sector, and excellence in the practice of the profession. The opening address of the conference, delivered by Mrs. Aïssatou Bello, Technical Adviser No. 5 at PAD, provided an insight into the real challenges of gender equality in the maritime and port sector.

During the event, several female executives from public and private sector companies in the maritime and port sectors addressed the audience. According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), women account for 19% of the workforce in the public sector and 16% in the private sector. For WIMACAMEROON, these figures highlight the need to promote equal opportunities and address the issue of women’s access to maritime and port professions.

During the proceedings, CNSC's General Manager and Honorary President of WIMACAMEROON, Mr. Auguste Mbappe Penda, was heartily thanked for his commitment to promoting the advancement of women in the maritime and port sectors. Following the conference, WIMACAMEROON officially launched a mentoring programme for young female students.