On November 25, 2024, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature hosted the workshop “Climate Challenges 2025” in Athens. The event focused on addressing the climate crisis through three critical pillars: tourism, cities, and education. Among the keynote speakers was Maria Damanaki, co-founder of Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO), who highlighted the importance [...]
By Nicole Trudeau, Strategic Engagement Specialist, Global Fund for Coral Reefs, United Nations Capital Development Fund; and Margaux Monfared, International Policy and Advocacy Manager, International Coral Reef Initiative The conservation field has traditionally been male-dominated, but in the 2020s, women leaders are redefining a sustainable future—especially for coral reefs. The first UN Biodiversity Conference [...]
On October 19-20, 2024, Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO) member Zefi Dimadama represented the LWO network at the Beijing +30 NGO CSW Forum in Geneva. Speaking in the “Women and the Environment” workshop, Zefi highlighted the vital role women play in environmental resilience and ocean governance, sharing her insights on the need for gender [...]
On October 21, 2024, Maria Damanaki, co-founder of Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO), addressed global leaders at “The Ocean Nexus,” part of the 1000 Ocean Startups Annual Gathering, hosted by the World Economic Forum in Amsterdam. Maria emphasized the critical role of ocean innovation in promoting sustainable growth, enhancing social prosperity, and protecting natural [...]
As we look ahead to the coming months, the Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO) network is preparing to engage in a series of pivotal global events that will shape the future of ocean governance and the blue economy. These gatherings offer unique opportunities for women leaders to assert their influence, advocate for gender-inclusive policies, [...]
When I first founded my organization, Sailors for the Sea Japan, in 2011, I was not welcome. Because I am a woman and a mother of two boys, my role in society was to stay home, cook, and clean.Traditionally, in Japan, there is a strong tradition of gender bias. For example, in the Japanese language, [...]
On June 5, 2024, World Environment Day, the HELMEPA Conference on "Shipping Resilience to Climate Change" took place at the Posidonia Conference Hall, Metropolitan Expo in Greece. This event highlighted the maritime industry's commitment to tackling climate change. Maria Damanaki, co-founder of Leading Women for the Ocean, was a key speaker, amplifying women's voices in [...]
The blue economy, encompassing all activities related to ocean, seas, and coasts, holds immense potential for growth and sustainability. However, significant gender disparities persist, limiting its full potential. Addressing these gaps is crucial for fairness, efficiency, and large-scale positive impacts. Insights from The Economist's 11th Annual World Ocean Summit & Expo provide practical strategies to [...]
Next week, as the 9th Our Ocean Conference convenes in Athens, the spotlight will be on the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Lighthouse where an inspiring panel will unfold. This much-anticipated session 'Women in Blue Economy' is set for April 16, 2024, from 11:30 to 12:30. The event boasts an exceptional lineup of women who are at [...]
The Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO) are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former Prime Minster Abe. There are no words to express the sorrow and shock we feel around the tragic events that occurred on July 8th. We send our heartfelt condolences to the former First Lady Mrs. Akie Abe and their [...]
