IWD2026: SMIFutures, collaboration and shaping the maritime industries of the future

International Women’s Day 2026 carries the theme Give to Gain – a powerful reminder that progress is built on collaboration, generosity and shared ambition.

This year’s theme prompted me to reflect on how central this spirit has been to the work of SMIFutures and the strides made by the group over the last year. With National Careers Week happening at the same time, this year’s theme feels especially relevant. Through my involvement with SMIFutures, I have seen first-hand how the simple act of giving time – whether through mentoring, speaking at events, hosting visits or opening doors to new conversations – can have a tangible impact on recruiting and retaining the next generation of talent.

Representation matters, particularly for women in sectors like maritime, where role models have not always been visible.  Seeing someone who looks like you, who has navigated a similar path, or who is willing to share honest insight can be transformative. It is something many of us have personally benefited from, and it is something SMIFutures is committed to providing for the next generation – particularly young women considering their place in maritime.  Throughout my career, I have benefited greatly from women who took the time to offer perspective, encouragement and reassurance that there is no single ‘right’ route into maritime. Those conversations, often informal and behind the scenes, helped build my confidence, encouraged me to make braver choices and supported me to stay and grow in a sector where I did not always see myself reflected. They are a reminder that progress is rarely achieved alone, and that strong, supportive networks can make a real difference.

Ours is a sector defined by diversity of expertise and opportunity. As we heard from our Chair Rachel Connor in her opening speech at the recent SMI Conference in Glasgow - maritime is not a single industry. It is an interconnected ecosystem of capability, infrastructure, innovation and people.

From advanced engineering and digital innovation to sustainability and global trade, maritime offers dynamic and rewarding career paths. That said, we still face complex challenges: accelerating technologies, geopolitical uncertainty and the urgent drive towards decarbonisation. Meeting these challenges requires fresh thinking, broader perspectives and meaningful collaboration across disciplines and generations.

A recent Maritime Careers Event at Malin Group in Glasgow demonstrated what is possible when organisations give their time and energy. Leading maritime businesses came together to engage with students from local universities, sharing real-world insight into the breadth of opportunities available across the sector. The enthusiasm in the room was clear. So too was the need to do more.

This sector needs new voices and those voices need to know they are welcome.

As a woman working in maritime, I am proud of the progress we have made and of the talented, committed women contributing across every part of the sector. I am equally conscious that building the maritime industry we want for the future means continuing to create space:  for new ideas, new leadership styles and new ways of working together.

Give to Gain shouldn’t just be a theme for a day. Instead, let’s see it as a continued call to action.

If you are interested in collaborating with SMIFutures, hosting a careers session, mentoring emerging talent or helping us expand our outreach, now is the time to step forward. By giving your time and experience, you will help shape a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient maritime sector.

Author 

Emma Johnson, Director, SMI Maritime Autonomous Systems Group and Marine Science and Technology Group

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