The World Maritime University (WMU) is proud to announce that Professor Momoko Kitada, Nippon Foundation Professorial Chair in Gender and Innovation and Head of Maritime Education & Training, has been selected to receive the 2025 International Maritime Organization (IMO) Gender Equality Award.
Professor Kitada was nominated by Japan and endorsed by the IMO Council during its 135th session in London (20-21 November 2025). The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector. Professor Kitada will receive the award in May 2026, coinciding with the celebrations for the International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May).
The assessment panel emphasized that Professor Kitada’s influence extends far beyond her base at WMU in Malmö, Sweden. Her work—spanning research, teaching, and leadership of WMU’s gender and diversity initiatives—has created tangible change globally.
“Professor Kitada’s quiet leadership style has achieved transformative results for both women and men in the sector, while maintaining a strong and authentic commitment to diversity,” the panel noted, highlighting her unique ability to bridge academia, policy, and practice. She has inspired generations of students to champion gender equality in their own institutions and administrations worldwide.
A former seafarer with a PhD in Social Science from Cardiff University, UK, Professor Kitada joined WMU in 2011. As a Full Professor and Head of Maritime Education and Training, she actively incorporates gender perspectives into her interdisciplinary teaching across subjects like maritime education, maritime energy management, sustainable development, capacity building, and digitalization.
Professor Kitada leads WMU’s vital collaboration efforts with the IMO to support women’s integration in the maritime sector. Her 20 years of research experience in gender equality are complemented by her certifications as a Gender Audit Facilitator and an expert in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation.
The IMO Council also recognized several other outstanding individuals with Letters of Commendation for their dedication to women’s empowerment through best practices and various global initiatives:
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Mr. Marcos Tinti (Brazil) for promoting diversity in the offshore sector at Companhia Brasileira de Offshore (CBO).
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Mrs. Mariana Pescatori Candido da Silva (Brazil) for strengthening gender perspectives in national maritime governance.
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Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou (Greece) for success in recruiting women into technical roles and raising the visibility of women in marine engineering.
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Commodore Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano (Philippines) for her pioneering role in the Philippine Coast Guard and championing opportunities for women across Southeast Asia.
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Ms. Elisa D. Chomi (Philippines) for her achievement as the country’s first female Chief Engineer and her leadership by example.
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Rear Admiral Mitzie Silva-Campo (Philippines) for implementing gender-responsive policies in the Philippine Coast Guard and promoting equal opportunities internationally.
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Ms. Christine Duffy (Cruise Lines International Association – CLIA) for her executive leadership in significantly increasing female representation and developing mentorship schemes at Carnival Cruise Line.
