Natalie O. Sandiford Calls for More Opportunities for Women in the Maritime Sector
Highlights: Managing Director of Altus Regional Consulting Solutions Natalie O. Sandiford Calls for Gender Equality in Maritime Leadership
Bridgetown, Barbados – May 16, 2025 – Altus Regional is proud to celebrate Managing Director Natalie O. Sandiford’s recent participation in the SEACOP VI Conference, held in observance of International Day for Women in Maritime. Under the theme “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women,” Natalie O. Sandiford delivered an impassioned speech advocating for greater opportunities for women in leadership roles and seafaring professions within the maritime industry.
As President of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WIMAC) Barbados Chapter, Ms. Sandiford emphasized the critical need for gender balance at every level of maritime operations. Sandiford noted that despite progress, women still make up less than 2% of the global seafarer workforce. She highlighted the challenges women face in maritime security and the port sector while calling for concrete solutions to pave the way for inclusive growth.
Managing Director Sandiford highlighted that WIMAC Barbados Chapter is a proud national chapter of Women in Maritime Association Caribbean, one of the eight WIMAs established worldwide by the International Maritime Organization. Under Natalie Sandiford’s leadership, WIMAC Barbados Chapter has been actively working to increase the visibility of women in maritime professions, advocate for policies that promote gender inclusion, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international stakeholders.
“The maritime industry is evolving, and women are not simply passengers. We are captains of change,” Sandiford declared. “By prioritizing gender inclusion, we strengthen our institutions, enhance resilience, and unlock an ocean of opportunities.”
The SEACOP VI Conference, supported by the European Union and the Government of Barbados, brought together leading maritime professionals and industry experts to foster dialogue and drive actionable change. Sandiford moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Charting a Path to Equality – Finding Solutions,” alongside esteemed colleagues dedicated to advancing gender equality in maritime affairs.
Altus Regional is honored to support our Managing Director’s ongoing efforts to empower women in the maritime sector and remains committed to fostering leadership and innovation throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Natalie Sandiford is the President of Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WIMAC) Barbados Chapter and Principal Attorney at Altus Chambers, Attorneys-at-Law.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Altus Regional Team
contact@altusregional.com
About Altus Regional:
Altus Regional is a premier consultancy specializing in maritime solutions, industry development, and leadership initiatives across the Caribbean. For additional insights and reflections on the conference, view Natalie O. Sandiford’s LinkedIn post here: Participation in SEACOP VI.
