WIMAC

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It's elections time SEAsters

Thank you 💗Thank you 💗 to over 95 SEAsters participating in the WiMAC 8th Annual General Meeting and Elections (virtual) are elections.

Special thanks to the observers ensuring we have a smooth process.

WiMAC LeadHERship! ten years strong, looking beyond the horizon of opportunities 🛟⛵⚓🛟⚓⛵

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We are here SEAsters

Showing up and showing out for the WiMAC 8th Annual General Meeting and Elections (virtual) are over 95 SEAsters participating from our 8 chapters, our Student Chapter (Caribbean Maritime University) and representatives from all the countries from across the Caribbean and further afield. It was so SEAmazing to hear all of your voices during introductions; all of the different accents that flavor our Caribbean region.

We started with a warm welcome from WiMAC President Dr Evette Smith-Johnson and the introduction of the current Governing Council.

We are grateful to have remarks from Ms. Mariana Noceti, Principal Programme Assistant, Latin America and Caribbean Section, Technical Cooperation Implementation Division, International Maritime Organization and Mrs. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram Regional Coordinator, Caribbean.

Special thanks to Mrs. Tesha Walker Brown for her motivating discussion regarding mental health in the work place " we cannot pour from an empty vessel" , " we lead better seasters when we are mentally well", and "It's ok to say I am not okay seasters" . Seasters shared hearts and claps as well as comments on how timely and necessary this message is.

WiMAC LeadHERship! ten years strong, looking beyond the horizon of opportunities 🛟⛵⚓🛟⚓⛵

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"Today, as we join with UN Women to Orange the World through the 16 Day Campaign, I call upon our community, our partners, and every stakeholder in the maritime sector to unite in the urgent and unwavering commitment to end gender-based violence in all its forms. Violence, discrimination, and harassment—whether on land or at sea—have no place in a society that values dignity, equality, and human rights.

As WiMAC, we stand firm in our advocacy for safe spaces where every woman, every seafarer, and every individual can live and work without fear. Our seafarers, who spend months away from home, face unique challenges that affect their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Ensuring their safety, wellness, and protection—especially for women at sea—is not only a responsibility but a moral obligation.

We must continue to support the strengthening of policies, education, and support systems that empower survivors, prevent abuse, and promote respect and accountability. Let us continue building a culture where wellness is prioritized, voices are heard, and safety is guaranteed.

Together, let us raise our voices, take action, and foster a maritime world where every SEAster—at sea and on shore—can thrive free from violence."

Dr.Evette Smith-Johnson, WiMAC President

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