Empowering Women

for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for
Sustainable Development

about the programme

A Commitment to Improve Gender Equality in Ocean Research and Science Dependant Governance Systems

With support from Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the purpose of this research programme is to advance an alternative, inclusive model for the sustainable governance of ocean spaces and maritime activities that duly takes into account the need to ensure effective gender equality and the empowerment of women at all levels in order to ensure the sustainable management of the global ocean. The programme is endorsed as an Ocean Decade Action by IOC-UNESCO. For more information - download the Programme Brochure here.

programme characteristics

Promoting leadership opportunities

The Programme aims to investigate tools and pathways to ensure that gender equality is a central pillar for partner institutions as well as all Decade Initiatives.

milestones to be achieved

- Collect baseline data
- Set general and specific objectives based on research and consultation
- Promote openness, transparency and responsibility
- Ensure gender norms inform all decision-making and management actions
- Monitor performance on the attainment of specific equality targets
- 2025 - Report, Reassess and React

identifying new pathways

Research findings will identify key barriers and good practice contributing to a proposed Strategy and Action Plan to help deliver equal opportunities for full participation and leadership by women at all levels of ocean science under the Ocean Decade. The Programme will enhance ongoing collaborations with partners including intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, research institutes, universities, and individuals to deliver substantive research outputs contributing to transformative actions.

Project News

News

16 July, 2021

THE PEOPLE WE NEED FOR THE OCEAN WE WANT – LAUNCH OF THE REPORT 2021 FOR THE EMPOWERING WOMEN FOR THE UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

News

6 July, 2021

WEBINAR – THE PEOPLE WE NEED FOR THE OCEAN WE WANT

objectives & outputs

2 Research Strands

Strand 1

Role of gender equality and empowerment of women in ocean science bodies.

Strand 2

Gender equality in the regulatory and ocean science governance systems that coordinate, manage and mediate ocean science.

Drivers

Lack of equal opportunities for women to participate and contribute in ocean science and ocean science governance systems
Absence of appropriate standards advancing gender equality
Inadequacy of affirmative action and gender equality initiatives
Lack of adequate baseline data

Results

Empowerment and participation by women scientists supports diversity and serves as a central factor to enhance science-based governance
Increased participation by women scientists contributes to the sum of total human innovation needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Strategy and Action Plan for Gender Empowerment in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable development

Publications

6 July, 2021

WMU-GOI Releases Empowering women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021 Report

Publications, Technical

12 January, 2021

BBNJ Workshop and the UNHQ Side Events Report

The Team

Meet the Research Team

Dr. Mariamalia Rodriguez-Chaves

Postdoctoral Fellow

"The acknowledgement of the critical role of women in different professional areas has been advancing, however there are still gaps and challenges that must be addressed, and finding those key issues through this project could identify tangible actions and opportunities to empower women in ocean science."

Area of Research

Understanding the role of gender in international bodies and NGOs involved in the practice and delivery of marine science.

Ellen Johannesen

PhD Candidate

"I’m interested in exploring how we can remove barriers, and identify strategies that will help encourage and promote women into leadership positions."

Area of Research

Understanding the role of gender in the practice of international marine science - The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) as a case study.