On 20 May 2025, the WIN-BIG consortium gathered for our Second Annual Meeting, hosted by the Marine Institute and the University of Galway. The meeting was a key milestone to reflect on the work accomplished so far and prepare for our final year of project implementation. With the project set to conclude in April 2026, the meeting reaffirmed our collective commitment to ensuring that WIN-BIG leaves a lasting legacy for gender equality in the Blue Economy.
Just two days after, WIN-BIG dove into the heart of the European Maritime Day 2025. The event provided an excellent opportunity for us to connect with key stakeholders, policy actors, and fellow EU-funded projects working toward a more sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy. Throughout the event, we engaged directly with attendees, introduced the project, and collected valuable contributions to the ongoing gender survey. In the afternoon, our workshop brought together a full room of participants and created a dynamic space to reflect on the roles, challenges, and leadership journeys of women in the Blue Economy. WINBLUE shared their final results, offering important insights into how gender gaps can be addressed at regional and sectoral levels. Meanwhile, WIN-BIG presented a preview of the preliminary findings from our gender survey, providing a first glimpse into the trends and stories emerging from our research. The workshop also featured the voices of four Ocean Champions - Alice Pari, Carla de Carolis, Maire Einniu, and Vera Quinlan - who shared personal reflections on navigating and shaping their careers in the marine sector. One message, delivered powerfully by Vera, struck a chord with many in the room: “You belong in science, on ships, in submarines, and in every room where ocean decisions are made. Be bold. Be fearless, and take your place at the helm.” Finally, Aneta Willems, Head of Department at CINEA, closed the event, emphasising the importance of continuing to address gender gaps in maritime sectors through evidence-based policy, collaboration, and bold action.
While in Cork, we also began filming interviews for the upcoming “Mulheres do Mar / Women from the Sea” documentary series, which will showcase stories of leadership, resilience, and innovation from women across EU sea basins. This collaboration beautifully reflects the diversity and shared passion that define the WIN-BIG community.
What’s Next?
The final stretch of WIN-BIG is not just about closing a project, it's about setting the stage for what comes next in the journey toward a more inclusive, balanced, and forward-looking Blue Economy.
Over the coming months, we’ll be diving deeper into the analysis of the data collected through our gender survey, transforming the voices, experiences, and perspectives of professionals across the Blue Economy into concrete evidence that can inform future EU policies, strategies, and funding programmes. These insights will be essential in identifying where gaps still exist and where support is most urgently needed to foster gender balance in the sector.
At the same time, we’re continuing to grow our Mentors4Future Leaders network, connecting experienced professionals with women seeking guidance, inspiration, and pathways to leadership across all EU sea basins. Through this expanding mentorship community, we aim to establish long-term support structures that can drive change beyond the project's lifetime.
Stay connected, share your voice, and be part of this collective effort to make the Blue Economy more inclusive!
