On Monday, 18 May 2026, the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split marked International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 with an event held within the framework of the project Women Seafarers 4.0 – Equality, Technology and the Sea, financed through the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism.
The project Women Seafarers 4.0 – Equality, Technology and the Sea is aimed at improving the position of women in maritime through an interdisciplinary approach that includes scientific research, the development of digital tools and social engagement. The project includes an analysis of the ergonomics of shipboard equipment from the perspective of equality for women in the maritime industry, the development of a mobile application concept for reporting inappropriate situations on board, the establishment of a digital platform for informing and networking women in maritime, and activities focused on the institutional sustainability of the project results.
The programme began with opening remarks by the Vice Dean, Assistant Professor Antonija Mišura, PhD, after which the project leader, Assistant Professor Zaloa Sanchez Varela, PhD, presented the project Women Seafarers 4.0 – Equality, Technology and the Sea, its objectives, planned activities and contribution to strengthening the visibility of women in maritime.
The central part of the programme was the panel discussion “Experiences, Challenges and Perspectives of Women in Maritime”, moderated by Priscilla Zelić Čarija, a former student of the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Reception Manager at ACI Marina Split. The discussion featured Chief Officer Dajana Mršić, Third Officer Željana Lekšić and Third Officer Danijela Ljubić, who shared their experiences of working in maritime, professional challenges, examples from practice, and reflections on the position and future of women in the maritime industry.
Following the panel discussion, Fleet Personnel Coordinator Lovorka Paškvan presented CMA Ships’ She Sails programme, aimed at supporting and promoting women in maritime. The programme concluded with a final discussion, an exchange of views and a reflection on the next steps of the project, followed by a reception and informal gathering of participants.
By marking International Day for Women in Maritime, the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split and the project Women Seafarers 4.0 further highlighted the importance of creating a safer, more equal and more supportive environment for women in the maritime sector. The event is aligned with the project’s objectives related to the safety, equality and visibility of women in maritime, as well as with broader programme goals aimed at promoting gender equality, digitalisation, scientific dissemination, and a culture of equality and equal opportunities.
The event created a space for dialogue between women seafarers, the academic community, students and industry representatives, and emphasised the need for further activities aimed at increasing visibility, networking and support for women in maritime. In a sector in which women are still underrepresented, such activities represent an important contribution to the professional empowerment of women, the recognition of their contribution, and the promotion of equal working conditions in the maritime industry.
The project leader and organiser of the event, Assistant Professor Zaloa Sánchez-Varela, PhD, is Head of the Nautical Department at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split. She is also a woman seafarer herself, with experience working on LNG and LPG vessels. In addition to her authentic experience related to the project topic, her scientific and professional work focuses on maritime safety, dynamic positioning, the human factor and seafarer education, as well as the active popularisation of science and the participation of women in the maritime industry.
Priscilla Zelić Čarija moderated the panel discussion, which featured Chief Officer Dajana Mršić, Third Officer Željana Lekšić and Third Officer Danijela Ljubić.
Lovorka Paškvan presented the She Sails programme.
