To the candidate of Cyprus, Despina Panagiotou Theodosiou, Co-CEO of Tototheo Maritime™, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decided to award the first prize for Gender Equality (IMO Gender Equality Award).
The nomination of Ms. Panagiotou Theodosiou for the "Gender Equality Award" was submitted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping last July, and the results were announced during the 130th Session of the IMO Council. As pointed out, Ms. Panagiotou Theodosiou embodies the essence of this award, since through her work and actions she contributes significantly to the promotion of gender equality in the maritime sector.
In a statement from the Deputy Ministry, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hatzimanoli, who is in London and participating in the 33rd Assembly of the IMO, congratulated Ms. Panagiotou Theodosiou for the award, for her remarkable achievements and for her unwavering commitment to the promotion of equality of gender in the Shipping sector which have set an important benchmark for excellence in the industry.
"This is the first awarding of the IMO Gender Equality Award, since it was approved as an institution by the Council during its 128th session and we are proud that Cyprus, with the nomination of Ms. Panagiotou Theodosiou, is the first country to be awarded in the context of this specific institution »
The purpose of the Award is to recognize individuals, regardless of gender, which significantly contributes to the promotion of gender equality and the emancipation of women in the shipping sector.
In her statement, Ms. Panagiotou Theodosiou said that this award is a great honor and thanked the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, and the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hatzimanoli, for submitting and supporting her candidacy.
“Over the past 10 years, raising awareness of the incredible contribution women make to the shipping industry and the importance of diversity, gender equality and inclusion has been a key focus for me both personally and professionally. During my tenure as President of WISTA International, it has been a privilege to be involved in many of the initiatives related to promoting gender equality in the industry, and when I look back at what has been achieved, I feel proud.Of course, we still have a long way to go, and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to continue to break down barriers, recognize the need for change and work together to create a shipping industry where there is equality and the diversity", said Ms. Panagiotou Theodosiou.