Gender Equality for Ocean Sustainability

Hosted by Spain and co-organized with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO), this gathering served as a pivotal moment to celebrate achievements and set joint priorities for the future of the Decade.

Women make up most of the workforce in coastal and maritime tourism and fisheries, which are key sectors of the blue economy. However, they often hold the lowest-paid, lowest-status, and least-protected positions. Additionally, they bear a disproportionate burden of ocean hazards. To ensure a sustainable future for Ocean and humanity it is crucial to address inequalities and advocate for gender inclusivity at all levels.

Discussions focused on identifying the scientific advancements for achieving desired ocean outcomes and enhancing gender equality in decision-making processes related to ocean science and activities. For instance, women account for 33% of ocean science researchers and 37% of ocean science personnel. (UNESCO 2021 and 2022)

Recommendations were put forward to reduce the gender gap, provide educational opportunities for young female scientists, and acknowledge the contributions of women in marine conservation efforts. 

Advocacy efforts are also needed to raise global awareness of the expertise and experience of women in ocean-related fields, encompassing a wide array of roles such as athletes, artists, scientists, educators, and activists, who are actively engaging communities worldwide. 

By addressing the root causes of gender inequalities and collaborating with men and boys to challenge stereotypes, we can create conducive environments for women-led initiatives in the maritime industry.

Esther Garcés, a marine researcher, emphasized the importance of acknowledging and amplifying the contributions of women scientists to ocean sustainability. She underscored the need to integrate the gender dimension into research to ensure equitable outcomes for both men and women. 

Farah Obaidullah, representing Women4Oceans, emphasized diversity as a catalyst for change and advocated for elevating the feminine perspective in ocean-related discussions.

To realize its commitment to empower women in ocean sciences, UNESCO works to promote gender mainstreaming in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). 

To this end, UNESCO is elaborating a policy brief to bring the gender perspective to the 10 thematic Challenges that will be addressed throughout the UN Ocean Decade. It will notably address the critical role of women in protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable and equitable ocean economy, increasing community resilience to ocean hazards, and changing humanity's relationship with the ocean. It will also assess through qualitative and quantitative information the disproportionate impact of ocean-based climate change on women and girls. 

Mainstreaming gender equality throughout the Decade will help ensure that, by 2030, women as much as men will be driving ocean science and management, helping to deliver the ocean we need for a prosperous, sustainable, and environmentally secure future.