We are delighted to invite you to She’s Making Waves: Celebrating Women in Ocean Advocacy, Science & the Blue Economy, a special virtual event in celebration of World Ocean Day on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at 1300 (BST). This event will be hosted by the Commonwealth Blue Charter in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Highlighting this year’s World Ocean Day theme “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing” this event will shine a spotlight on the significant contributions of women in ocean sciences, policy, education, and communities from across the Commonwealth by sharing inspiring stories and actions taken by women working collaboratively through a range of programs aimed at conserving and revitalizing our ocean. In ocean science, women make up 37% of the workforce and almost 39% of oceanographic researchers. While this is approximately 10% higher than natural science, we could all benefit from that number reaching parity. Gender equity in relation to ocean science includes understanding that there are inequities in society that may decrease certain genders’ ability to participate in all aspects of ocean science and succeed.

The event will feature opening remarks from The Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and a special address by H.E Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, High Commissioner of Tonga to the U.K.

The panel will include esteemed speakers who have made remarkable contributions in their respective areas of expertise:

• Zandile Ndhlovu, Ocean Conservationist, The Black Mermaid Foundation, South Africa
• Dr. Juli-Anne Royes Russo, Aquaculture Scientist, Founder and CEO, Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub, Jamaica
• Louise Sanger, Head of Research, Interpretation & Engagement, Lloyds Register Foundation Heritage & Education Centre
• Oliver Steeds, Chief Executive and Mission Director, Nekton
• Josephine Latu-Sanft (Moderator), Senior Communications Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat

For more information on this event and the speakers, please visit: She’s making waves – Celebrating women in ocean advocacy, science and the blue economy | Commonwealth (thecommonwealth.org)

To participate in this event, kindly register your interest by visiting the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4701501156287748446

We look forward to your presence as we collectively celebrate the accomplishments of women in ocean advocacy, science, and the blue economy on World Ocean Day.