Japanese maritime academic and former seafarer Professor Momoko Kitada has been awarded the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award 2026.  

The award was presented by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a ceremony held at IMO Headquarters in London (18 May) to mark International Day for Women in Maritime.  

The recipient of the Gender Equality Award is selected each year by a high-level panel and endorsed by the IMO Council, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.  

The IMO Council at its 135th session endorsed Professor Kitada’s award, in recognition of her work to promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities in maritime education and professional development.  

Gender Equality Award 

The IMO Gender Equality Award was established in 2022 to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the maritime industry.  

Nominations for the 2026 Award were considered by an Assessment Panel comprising of IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez as Chair, along with representatives from IMO Member States who are Members of the IMOGENder Network; Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International); Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); and the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR).