Image Credits: IMO 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 speciali