The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana, in collaboration with the Inter-regional Coordination Centre (ICC) for Managing Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Domain in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has assembled senior level women in maritime security to deliberate on the role and contributions of women in maritime security across West and Central Africa.

This meeting is expected to take place from the 5^th-7^th September, 2023 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In a press release, KAIPTC said women play a vital role in the maritime sector but they are often underrepresented and face significant challenges.

According to the institution, the maritime sector has traditionally been male-dominated, with limited representation of women in leadership positions.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the invaluable contributions that women can make in the maritime industry, particularly in the field of maritime security hence the meeting is aimed at harnessing the contributions of women in maritime security governance.

“Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that contribute to effective decision-making, innovation, and the overall advancement of the maritime sector.”

“Women leaders in maritime security play a vital role in addressing various challenges faced by the industry, including piracy, maritime terrorism, illicit trafficking, and environmental threats.”

“Therefore, 40 women from state agencies will join academic institutions, private sector agencies and civil society organisations across West and Central African Countries to attend the high-level consultative meeting in Yaoundé”it said.

Over three days, the meeting will discuss strategies to advance women's empowerment in the maritime sector, including sharing experiences and best practices related to women's participation in the maritime industry;

• Exploring ways to enhance access to education, training, and mentorship opportunities for women in maritime careers;

• Identifying and addressing barriers that hinder women's advancement in maritime careers; strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships to promote women's empowerment in maritime industries; and

• Developing and promoting gender-responsive policies and legislation to support women's advancement in the maritime sector.

For an overall context, the meeting is part of activities of a 5-year joint maritime security project of the KAIPTC and the government of Denmark for littoral states along the Gulf of Guinea in West and Central Africa.

The above-mentioned project is titled: “Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Domain in West and Central Africa (2022-2026)”.

Again, at the forthcoming meeting, the initial findings of women in maritime practice guide which has been commissioned by the above-mentioned project, will be discussed for further input by the participants.

The participants are drawn from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and also, associations of women in maritime security in the various countries, the ICC and the Central African regional observation and monitoring Centre in Pointe Noire, Congo.

The first of such meeting was held in Cotonou, Benin, on 19^th-20^th July, 2023.

Maritime security is about the governance of ocean waters away from issues and events that threaten safety and security of resources in the sea but also operations including maritime transportation and fishing.

At the same time, the sea has been a reliable space for criminals transporting prohibited goods such as narcotic drugs including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine but also trafficking and smuggling of human beings.

Others such as pirates, also target container cargo vessels carrying the goods that are used on land on a daily basis.

The attacks on vessels by pirates has effects on the prices citizens pay for imported goods such as sugar and clothing due to the increase in premium by insurance companies.

“This happens because attacks by pirates means such waters are not safe for marine transportation. All such costs are passed on to end-users of imported goods in the form of high commodity prices,” a part of the statement said.

Meanwhile, governments in each country have dedicated agencies tasked with ensuring safety and security in their oceanic waters. Such agencies include the navy, customs, immigration, police, maritime and port authorities among many other agencies.

For further information, please contact the Corporate Affairs Unit of KAIPTC on +233302-718200 ext 1203 or +233 243425353. You can find the KAIPTC on Facebook and twitter as: @Kaiptcgh and Instagram as: @kaiptc. You can further find out more about the KAIPTC on our website: www.kaiptc.