Breaking the Blue Bias: Celebrating and sharing the experiences of ocean experts

Event date: 07 March 2022, 13:00 - 14:00
A female scientist holding two test tubes

The Commonwealth Secretariat is organising a webinar to celebrate and share the achievements of women ocean experts and champions across the Commonwealth region.

Two-thirds of the world’s small island developing states are part of the Commonwealth network. Ocean sustainable development forms part of the lifeline to these nation’s economies, livelihoods and social wellbeing. The health of our oceans and related industries is under increasing threat from climate change. According to the United Nations, for every five people displaced by climate change globally, four are women.

Considering the majority of Commonwealth nation’s critical dependence on ocean economies, women and young girls play a significant part in turning the tide on climate and ocean challenges.

The Commonwealth is committed to advancing gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment. This International Women’s Day, the Secretariat is organising a webinar to celebrate and share the achievements of female ocean experts and champions across the Commonwealth region who are involved in the delivery of the Commonwealth Blue Charter.

The perspectives and leadership approaches of females enhance the environment for ocean conservation. This webinar will provide an opportunity for interested audiences to exchange experiences, lessons learned and insights to boost female empowerment and raise the profile of female contribution in ocean industries.

Confirmed speakers

  • The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth 
  • Kacie Conrad, Science Program and Policy Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada 
  • Paulina Gerstner, Program Director - Allen Coral Atlas, Arizona State University 
  • Josheena Naggea, Doctoral candidate, Stanford University 
  • Danielle Nembhard, PhD student, James Cook University 
  • Dainalyn Swaby (moderator), Ocean Youth Outreach Assistant, Commonwealth Secretariat

Register to attend