IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, Podcast Special Mini Series
- May 14
- 2 min read
May 14, 2026 – To celebrate the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, we co-created a special mini-series featuring reflections and conversations around leadership, mentorship, courage, authenticity, and career growth in the shipping industry.
Hosted by Stefania Croci, Head of Marketing and Communications at BMT, the podcast mini series of three short episodes focuses on Gordana Ilic, co-CEO of BetterSea's journey as a women working and innovating across maritime, highlighting both the opportunities and rewards of building a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The conversations explore themes including:
Claiming your space in maritime
The importance of mentorship and community
Career advice for young women entering shipping
Resilience and empowerment
Authentic leadership
The mini series also emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments where future generations of women can thrive and contribute to the transformation of the maritime industry.
Featured Mini Episodes
Part 1: Claim Your Space in Maritime
In this short episode, Stefania and Gordana reflect on the meaning of the IMO International day for women in shipping and share reflections on leadership, courage, and the importance of authenticity as a woman working in maritime. The conversation highlights how claiming your space and speaking with confidence can empower both personal and professional growth.
Part 2: Advice for the Next Generation of Women in Shipping
This short episode focuses on reflections of Gordana's journey and practical career advice for young women entering the maritime industry. Topics include being proactive, asking questions, building meaningful connections, and pursuing opportunities aligned with genuine passions and values.
Part 3: Role-models and Inspiring Women in Shipping
Gordana reflects on the women who inspired her career journey, particularly the role of mentorship, support, and community in navigating the shipping industry. The episode highlights the importance of finding anchors and mentors in professional relationships.
IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, the Importance of Celebrating Women in Shipping
The maritime industry is evolving rapidly through digitalization, sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration. At the center of this transformation are the women helping shape the future of shipping, logistics, ports, technology, and maritime leadership.
The IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated every year on 18 May, recognizes the contribution of women across the global maritime sector while promoting greater diversity, inclusion, and opportunities throughout the industry.
Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this day highlights both the progress achieved and the continued importance of increasing female representation in maritime careers and leadership positions.
Although women remain underrepresented across many areas of shipping and maritime operations, their impact on the industry continues to grow across:
Maritime leadership
Shipping and logistics
Sustainability and decarbonization
Maritime technology and innovation
Port operations
Naval architecture and engineering
Maritime law and policy
Digital transformation
Beyond representation, May 18th day also serves as a reminder of diversity as a driver of innovation, resilience, collaboration, and stronger decision-making across the maritime ecosystem.
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