Maritime Cook Islands is hosting the Women in Maritime Breakfast at The Islander Hotel Tuesday morning from 9am to 11am.

The event is to celebrate International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime.

According to Louisa Purea, Maritime Cook Islands marketing and media officer, the event aims to acknowledge the contributions of women in the maritime sector, promote greater inclusion, visibility and opportunity for women in various roles within the industry.

The event is influenced by the IMO’s focus on creating more space and support for women under the theme “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women”.

The central message of the breakfast is to showcase the maritime sector as a promising career avenue for women in the Cook Islands, emphasising the ocean’s role as a source of both cultural identity and female empowerment and advancement.

The maritime breakfast will include speeches from five accomplished women working in different sectors of the maritime industry, such as safety, seafaring, shipping operations and corporate leadership.

The five guest speakers are, Tiare Alice Story, Vaine Nooana-Arioka, Mona Taio, Kiahani Strickland and Amy Ngatamaine.

These inspirational women will get the opportunity to share their stories at this event, promoting strength, resilience and innovation that women bring to the maritime space and highlight the significance of creating more inclusive pathway for the next generation.

The event will also feature cultural performances, networking opportunities and a moment to share commitments to improving gender equality within the maritime sector amongst other guests.