Indian Coast Guard Champions Women’s Empowerment in Maritime Security at Sri Lanka Regional Dialogue
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken a significant step towards strengthening maritime security and promoting women’s empowerment by participating in the Regional Dialogue on Women in Maritime Safety, held in Sri Lanka. The event, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), brought together key stakeholders from across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
What is the Regional Dialogue on Women in Maritime Safety?
The Regional Dialogue is a multilateral initiative to foster cooperation, capacity building, and inclusive security in the maritime domain. By focusing on the role of women in maritime safety, the conference highlights the importance of gender diversity and empowerment in enhancing operational effectiveness and resilience across the region’s vast and strategically vital waters.
How is the Indian Coast Guard involved?
The ICG, representing India, joined hands with UNODC and IORA to share best practices, participate in panel discussions, and develop actionable strategies for integrating more women into maritime security roles. The Indian delegation showcased India’s commitment to the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth and gender-balanced leadership in maritime law enforcement and safety operations.
What is the significance of this initiative?
Women’s participation in maritime safety and security has long been underrepresented. Through such dialogues, India and its partners aim to break barriers, encourage more women to take up leadership and operational roles, and foster an environment of equal opportunity. This initiative is expected to enhance regional cooperation, improve response capabilities, and build a more resilient security architecture in the Indian Ocean.
What’s next for maritime security and women’s empowerment in the IOR?
The Indian Coast Guard, together with UNODC and IORA, has pledged to continue collaborative efforts, focusing on training, knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy to ensure that women’s voices are heard and valued in the maritime sector. The outcomes of the Sri Lanka dialogue will shape future capacity-building programs and set new benchmarks for inclusivity in maritime safety.
