DRIVING CHANGE
IN MARITIME
AND TRADE
Founded in 1974, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) is a driving force for change, advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the shipping, trading and logistics sectors.
With over 6,000 members across more than 60 National WISTA Associations (NWAs) worldwide, our aim is to connect and empower women – supporting their professional development and helping them to achieve their full potential as leaders, managers and mentors.
Offering strategic oversight to help develop policies, programmes and projects, we partner industry to uphold diversity and inclusion and attract new talent, and support its evolving objectives on sustainability, decarbonisation and digitalisation.
WISTA was granted consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2018 and observer status by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2023. Its influence continues to grow as a force for inclusiveness across all genders, ethnicities and cultures working within global shipping.
WISTA News
JOT Women and the Ocean Issue
WISTA International President Elpi Petraki contributed to the latest version of the Journal of Ocean Technology. Please read the full article here
WISTA Events
WISTA The Netherlands – Port Security – organised by Royal Dirkzwager & ECT
Our Focus
Professional Development
WISTA empowers women to achieve their full potential as leaders, managers, and mentors, supporting with professional development opportunities that strengthen skills and confidence across maritime, trading, and logistics.
Connecting globally
Through its international community, WISTA connects professionals across borders, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas that promote diversity and inclusion industry-wide.
National WISTA Associations
Each National WISTA Association champions WISTA’s mission locally (nationally) – building communities and elevating women’s voices within national maritime and related sectors.
Closing the gender gap
WISTA actively works to close the gender gap by promoting equal opportunities, challenging bias, and advancing women’s representation and leadership at every level of the maritime value chain through systemic, lasting change.
Expert committees
WISTA’s committees unite members with diverse expertise to address industry challenges and develop strategic initiatives. Our accomplished professionals contribute their knowledge to promoting diversity and advancing excellence across their respective fields.
Industry partnerships
Through partnerships with international organizations and academia, WISTA drives collaborative action that maximizes impact, shapes inclusive policies, and aligns efforts that support sustainable industry growth.
6000+
MEMBERS
1974
FOUNDED
60
ASSOCIATIONS
PARTNERS
Through partnerships with international organisations and industry bodies, WISTA drives collaborative action that maximises impact, shapes inclusive policies, and supports sustainable growth across maritime, trading, and logistics.
“Through WISTA, I found mentorship and support that encouraged me to step up in my career and challenge the status quo in maritime.”
Training & Resources
WISTA empowers women to reach their full potential as leaders, managers, and mentors through professional development opportunities, education, and research. Our resources strengthen skills and confidence across every stage of a maritime career.
Spotlight Role
MARITIME JOB ROLES
As part of the on-going partnership between WISTA International and the IMO (International Maritime Organization), WISTA International are pleased to share details on the current vacancies available within the IMO.
OUR MISSION
To promote gender equality and diversity as forces for positive change across maritime, trading and logistics