Professor Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University has been selected to receive the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award.
The Award is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
The IMO Council endorsed Professor Kitada as the recipient during its 135th session held in London (20-21 November 2025), to receive the award in May 2026, alongside celebrations for the International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May).
Members of the assessment panel noted that her influence extended far beyond her role at WMU in Malmö, Sweden. The panel highlighted the global impact of her work, with her research, teaching and leadership of WMU’s gender and diversity initiatives translating into tangible change in many countries.
Professor Momoko Kitada is a former seafarer and earned a doctorate in Social Science from Cardiff University, United Kingdom. She joined the World Maritime University in 2011 and serves as Full Professor and Head of Maritime Education and Training. She coordinates and teaches in other master’s degree specializations, including Maritime Energy Management, as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Energy and the Summer Academy on Maritime Decarbonization.
The IMO Gender Equality Award was established by IMO to recognize individuals, irrespective of their gender, who have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
