Women working in the maritime sector from across the Caribbean gathered Paramaribo, Suriname, (3-5 November) for a specialized Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) workshop aimed at strengthening the Association's achievements and ensuring its long-term sustainability in the maritime sector.
A primary goal of the workshop, attended by 34 women from 12 countries, was to equip participants with the strategic tools necessary for working towards financial sustainability of their association. Attendees joined engaging sessions to work on gender-responsive approaches to strengthen their ability to design and implement sustainable funding models.
Key sessions were dedicated to practical skill development, including:
Crafting compelling donor-focused narratives.
Developing a practical financial sustainability framework.
By focusing on these areas, WiMAC aims to solidify its operational foundation and increase its reach across the Caribbean region.
The agenda also included a specific focus on enhancing individual leadership capabilities. Participants benefited from a dedicated Public Speaking Masterclass delivered by keynote speaker K.D. Adamson.
This special session aimed at boosting personal impact and developing persuasive, confident, and authentic communication styles-skills critical for advancing careers and representing the maritime sector effectively.
The outcomes of the Suriname workshop are expected to contribute significantly to WiMAC's development and the ongoing efforts, supported by IMO, to advance women's roles throughout the Caribbean maritime industry.
The Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) was set up in Jamaica in April 2015, with support from IMO's Women in Maritime programme.
