Liberia has once again positioned itself at the forefront of global maritime reform, as it commemorates the 2025 International Day for Women in Maritime under the compelling global theme, “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women.”
In a stirring address marking the occasion, Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., issued a bold and urgent call to action—urging stakeholders worldwide to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver tangible, structural reforms that unlock real opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
“Recognition alone is not enough,” said Commissioner Lighe. “We must break barriers, revise outdated policies, and open genuine career pathways for women to rise and thrive across all levels of maritime professions.”
Advancing Gender Equity: Liberia’s Strategic Actions
Liberia’s message is not just rhetorical. The country, through LiMA, is actively advancing a pro-women maritime agenda. Commissioner Lighe highlighted a range of strategic reforms and initiatives currently underway:
- Boosted Female Enrollment at the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI): As part of a deliberate policy push, more women are now being trained as engineers, seafarers, and maritime administrators than ever before.
- Policy and Curriculum Reforms: LiMA is reviewing gender-related barriers in maritime education and job placements, ensuring training content is inclusive and career pathways are equitable.
- Global and Regional Partnerships: Liberia continues to collaborate with international maritime bodies, NGOs, and governments to share best practices and champion inclusive policy frameworks.
These initiatives, Commissioner Lighe emphasized, reflect Liberia’s broader commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and to building a diversified maritime workforce that mirrors the diversity of the global population it serves.
Gender Equity: A Smart Investment in the Blue Economy
Positioning gender equity not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic lever for economic growth, Lighe argued that women’s full participation is vital to the sustainability of the global blue economy.
“If we are serious about maritime sustainability, we must be serious about inclusion. Women are not just part of the solution—they are a core engine for innovation, safety, and resilience at sea.”
From Dialogue to Action
As the global maritime community reflects on the theme “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women,” Liberia’s voice is loud and clear: the time for ceremonial speeches is over—it’s time to deliver results.
With its continued leadership, Liberia is charting a progressive course that many hope will inspire a wave of bold action across Africa and the world. Commissioner Lighe concluded his address with a call for international solidarity, inviting all maritime stakeholders to collaborate in transforming gender parity from aspiration into reality.
