The Government of Cyprus remains committed to building a fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory maritime community, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis reaffirmed this week. The statement was made during the presentation of the 2024 Gender Equality in Cypriot Shipping Award to Julia Anastasiou, Senior Crew Director at OSM Maritime Group.

According to the Deputy Ministry’s announcement, the annual ceremony took place on Monday to mark the International Day for Women in Maritime, observed globally on May 18. The day was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to recognize and celebrate the contribution of women to the maritime industry.

Deputy Minister Hadjimanolis welcomed attendees and expressed her satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting the importance of the day as an opportunity to acknowledge the role and impact of women in the sector.

This year’s theme, “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women,” emphasized the increasing potential for women in maritime professions. While traditionally male-dominated, the shipping industry is now seeing more women in a wide range of roles—from captains and engineers to senior executives and regulatory officers.

During the event, the Gender Equality in Cypriot Shipping Award was presented to Julia Anastasiou in recognition of her distinguished career and active contribution to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment within the maritime industry.

In her remarks, Hadjimanolis reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment, to creating a fair and inclusive maritime environment for all.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou stressed the importance of cooperation between government bodies and public-private partnerships to build a maritime sector free of exclusion—one where women can thrive and contribute without barriers.