A two-day regional conference to promote women’s leadership and inclusion in maritime security and governance across the Gulf of Guinea has opened in Accra.
It was organised by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with the Women in Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) and forms part of the Peace and Stabilisation Engagement (PSE 1) under the Danish Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf Guinea (2022-2026), managed by the Royal Danish Embassy in Ghana.
The initiative falls under outcome three of the programme, which focuses on advancing gender equality and implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in addressing maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
President of WIMOWCA and Deputy CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, noted the vital role of the Gulf of Guinea but stated that “we face challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other maritime crimes. To resolve these problems, we need to be inclusive—bringing both men and women on board.”
She underscored it was for that reason participants would take the lessons and action points from the conference back to their respective nations to help implement practical measures.
“At the end of the day, we will come out with implementable solutions to ensure that our region remains safe and secure. While we’ve made progress, particularly in reducing piracy, new challenges continue to emerge, and we must remain vigilant and proactive,” Mrs. Owu added.
Denmark’s Ambassador to Ghana, Jakob Linulf, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth within the maritime industry.
“We believe that to grow and develop the maritime business, we must ensure equal participation of women in management, decision-making, and all aspects of the industry.”
He further highlighted Denmark’s global experience as one of the world’s leading seafaring nations.
“For us, efficiency and inclusiveness go hand in hand. Promoting gender equality strengthens not just the maritime industry, but also international trade and sustainable development,” he noted.
The conference brought together participants from 14 Gulf of Guinea countries, including women serving in maritime law enforcement and security agencies.
The aim is to consolidate ongoing efforts, strengthen cooperation, and ensure women play an active role in shaping regional responses to organised crime and governance gaps within the maritime domain.
The conference also serves as an opportunity to integrate women in maritime law enforcement and security agencies into the WIMOWCA network, reinforcing regional collaboration without duplicating existing initiatives.
By aligning with global frameworks such as UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace and Security), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Women in Maritime Program, and IMO Assembly Resolution A.1147(31) on barrier-free working environments for women, the initiative contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and inclusive ocean governance
The Gulf of Guinea remains a vital maritime hub for global trade, energy, and fisheries resources. However, the region continues to face significant security threats such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, human trafficking, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and labour exploitation. These challenges undermine sustainable development and the full potential of ocean resources.
Experts believe that addressing these threats requires not only strong legal and operational measures but also the meaningful inclusion of women in maritime security decision-making, governance, and enforcement processes.
As discussions continue, organizers and participants alike hope the outcomes will inspire practical reforms, stronger networks, and a more gender-balanced approach to maritime security—ensuring that the Gulf of Guinea remains a safer, fairer, and more sustainable maritime region for all.
