IMO Honours Japanese Maritime Professor Momoko Kitada With Gender Equality Award 2026
Our take
The recent recognition of Professor Momoko Kitada by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the Gender Equality Award for 2026 is a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of equality in the maritime industry. Her dedication to empowering women within this traditionally male-dominated field highlights the critical intersection of gender equity and maritime innovation. As we reflect on this achievement, it is essential to understand why such recognition matters now more than ever, particularly in the context of pressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable ocean stewardship.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that require innovative solutions and diverse perspectives. Just as the alarming retreat of the Hektoria Glacier, as covered in our article, Antarctic glacier collapses at record speed as Hektoria retreats 15 miles in just 15 months, underscores the urgency of climate action, Kitada’s work emphasizes the necessity of inclusivity in addressing these issues. By advocating for women’s participation in maritime academia and industry, Kitada is not just promoting gender equality; she is fostering a more resilient and adaptive maritime workforce, equipped to tackle the complexities of our time.
Moreover, the recognition of leaders like Kitada serves as an important reminder of the interconnectedness between social equity and environmental stewardship. As articulated in our analysis of the Biodiversity and community dynamics of pelagic Sargassum: ecological and sustainable use implications of wild vs. cultivated aggregations, addressing ecological issues requires a collaborative approach that integrates diverse insights. The maritime sector can only thrive when it embraces a multitude of voices, allowing for comprehensive strategies that encompass both environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Kitada's efforts to elevate women's roles in maritime environments are crucial in cultivating this diversity of thought.
This development also resonates with the global movement towards gender equality across various sectors, not just maritime. It reflects an increasing recognition that empowering women can lead to transformative changes in how industries operate, innovate, and respond to crises. As we witness shifts in policies and practices aimed at inclusivity, it is vital to support and highlight these efforts, ensuring they are not just token gestures but part of a broader cultural change within the industry.
Looking ahead, the implications of Kitada's award extend beyond mere recognition. It raises pertinent questions about how the maritime industry can leverage this momentum to further integrate gender equality into its core operations. How can organizations actively support women in leadership roles and create pathways for young women entering the field? As climate challenges intensify and the need for sustainable practices becomes more pressing, the maritime industry must consider how diverse leadership can drive innovative solutions.
In conclusion, Professor Momoko Kitada’s recognition by the IMO is not only a celebration of her achievements but also an invitation for the entire maritime community to reflect on its values and practices. As we strive for a more equitable and sustainable future, the lessons learned from her journey can serve as a guide for fostering a maritime industry that is inclusive, resilient, and prepared to meet the challenges of our time.
Maritime academic recognized for her long-standing commitment to gender equality and empowering women in the maritime industry.
Japanese maritime academic and former seafarer Professor Momoko Kitada has been awarded the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award 2026.
The award was presented by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a ceremony held at IMO Headquarters in London (18 May) to mark International Day for Women in Maritime.
The recipient of the Gender Equality Award is selected each year by a high-level panel and endorsed by the IMO Council, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
The IMO Council at its 135th session endorsed Professor Kitada’s award, in recognition of her work to promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities in maritime education and professional development.
Receiving her award, Professor Kitada recounted her experiences growing up, becoming a seafarer and then pursuing an academic career:
“My working class mother always recognized indispensable link with education and economic stability – particularly important for women and girls. She pushed me to study hard and be economically independent. Standing here today, I reiterate this encouragement, and encourage all women and girls to invest in education for their personal and professional futures.”
She underscored the importance of knowledge and a “true understanding” of gender quality based on active reading, listening and discourse.
Pathways for young maritime professionals
Professor Momoko Kitada, who was nominated for the award by Japan, is a former seafarer and holds a PhD in Social Science from Cardiff University, United Kingdom. She joined the World Maritime University in 2011 and serves as Academic Dean, Full Professor and Head of Maritime Education and Training (MET). She coordinates and teaches in other MSc specializations, including Maritime Energy Management (MEM), as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Energy and the Summer Academy on Maritime Decarbonization.
As a certified Gender Audit Facilitator and a certified expert in Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Impact Evaluation, Professor Kitada leads WMU’s collaboration efforts with IMO on gender diversity. She actively incorporates gender perspectives in her interdisciplinary teaching in maritime subjects, including maritime education and training, maritime energy management, sustainable development, capacity building, digitalization and innovation, and research methodology. She has 20 years of research experience in gender equality in the maritime and ocean sectors.
Professor Kitada focuses on creating pathways for young maritime professionals and to ensuring diversity among the next generation of maritime leaders. Her work has helped raise awareness of structural barriers and identify practical solutions to create a more inclusive sector.
Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez applauded her contribution to the industry:
“Professor Kitada takes gender balance from aspirational policy to actual practice. We still have some way to go, but it’s people like her, with her quiet determination and decades-long dedication to research, policy development and capacity-building, who will drive the sector’s progress in this area.”
Her newest publication, Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, was launched at the event, outlining concrete tools and guidance for improving women’s participation in the maritime sector.
Gender Equality Award
The IMO Gender Equality Award was established in 2022 to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the maritime industry.
Nominations for the 2026 Award were considered by an Assessment Panel comprising of IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez as Chair, along with representatives from IMO Member States who are Members of the IMOGENder Network; Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International); Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); and the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR).
Besides the main award, the following 2026 nominees received Letters of Commendation:
- Mr. Marccos Tainti, nominated by Brazil
- Mrs. Mariana Pescatori Candido da Silva, nominated by Brazil
- Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou, nominated by Greece
- Commodore Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano, nominated by the Philippines
- Ms. Elisa D. Chomi, nominated by the Philippines
- Rear Admiral Mitzie Silva-Campo, nominated by the Philippines
- Ms. Christine Duffy, nominated by the Cruise Lines International Association
Nominations for the 2027 Award
Nominations for the 2027 Award are open until Monday, 6 July 2026. Find out more: Recognising women in maritime
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