Ms. Saleha Shaikh, Founder President of WIMA INDIA
In a landmark moment for the nation’s maritime sector, India officially launched the ‘Women In Maritime Association’ better known as WIMA INDIA, the country’s national chapter under WIMA ASIA and part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s global Women in Maritime Programme. The launch took place 29 October 2025 at the prestigious Maritime SheEO Conference, held during India Maritime Week 2025, with dignitaries, global leaders, and maritime industry representatives in attendance.
The event began with a welcome address by Ms. Saleha Shaikh, Founder President of WIMA INDIA, who presented an insightful overview of the IMO’s Women in Maritime Programme and its growing impact across regions. She highlighted the importance of establishing a strong Indian chapter aligned with global standards of gender equality, capacity building, and maritime leadership.
Guests were treated to inspiring virtual addresses from two pioneering WIMA global leaders: Ms. Mariana Noceti, Head, IMO’s Women In Maritime Programme Ms. Merle Jimenez San Pedro, President, WIMA ASIA
Their messages emphasized the collective strength of WIMA networks worldwide and reaffirmed the commitment to inclusive maritime growth.
A specially curated video titled “The Journey Begins” showcased the impactful work, legacy, and achievements of IMO’s WIMAs across the globe—celebrating the milestones, training initiatives, and advocacy efforts that have uplifted women in maritime internationally.
The launch ceremony was graced by IMO Representative Dr. Jose Matheickal, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID), International Maritime Organization (IMO). In a historic moment, Dr. Matheickal formally unveiled the WIMA INDIA logo, marking the beginning of a new chapter for women professionals across the Indian maritime landscape. The Launch was supported by Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder – Maritime SheEO and Ms. Jimi John, President – WISTA India.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Saleha Shaikh, Founder & President of WIMA INDIA, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative: “This is a historic step towards creating a robust ecosystem where women in India’s maritime industry feel seen, supported, and empowered. WIMA INDIA will serve as a platform for collaboration, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy aligned with IMO’s global vision for gender equality in maritime.”
A National Platform with Global Alignment
With the Mission to represent Indian Women in Maritime as part of the larger global umbrella of Women in Maritime Associations under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), WIMA INDIA will work closely with the Directorate General of Shipping and maritime organisations, shipping companies, training institutes, unions, and policymakers to promote gender equality and create sustainable pathways for women’s growth across maritime sectors.
The chapter’s key focus areas include:
● Capacity Building & Training
● Mentorship & Leadership Development
● Skill Enhancement & Employability Programmes
● Research, Data & Policy Advocacy
● International & Regional Collaboration
Strengthening India’s Maritime Workforce of the Future
As India strengthens its position as a regional maritime power, WIMA INDIA aims to develop a more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive maritime workforce with a clear mandate: to advance the participation, visibility, leadership, and well-being of Indian women across all maritime domains, from seafaring and port operations to maritime education, logistics, shipping management, regulation, entrepreneurship, maritime law, naval engineering, offshore services, and emerging sectors such as blue tech and marine sustainability.
Representatives from IMO, WIMA ASIA, and India’s maritime administration applauded the launch, recognizing it as a significant step toward shaping a gender-balanced maritime future.
