Cyprus hosts maritime industry event highlighting the role of women in shipping

The Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus hosted an event titled “Women – Shipping – Social Contribution” at the Onassis Stegi in Athens this week, ahead of World Maritime Day. The gathering served to highlight the increasing prominence of women in the maritime sector and to underscore the industry's broader social and charitable impact beyond its economic contributions.

The event was held under the auspices of First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides and attended by key industry figures, including Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus Union of Shipowners president Polys V. Hajioannou, and Cyprus’ ambassador to Greece, Stavros Avgoustides. Numerous prominent professionals from the Greek and Cypriot maritime communities were also present, among them Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Ioanna Prokopiou, and Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou.

Minister Hadjimanolis emphasized that the Cypriot maritime industry should be viewed as a community defined by its people rather than just fleet size or financial metrics. The initiative aimed to showcase the human element and the long-standing history of philanthropic engagement within shipping families and businesses, framing the sector as a vital social pillar that maintains a strong international presence.