The Gulf of Guinea is a vital maritime hub for global trade, energy and fisheries resources. However, it faces security threats, such as piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and labour exploitation, which hamper the sustainable optimisation of the opportunities inherent in the oceans and the resources within them. Addressing these threats requires not only robust legal and operational measures but also the meaningful inclusion of women in maritime security decision-making, governance, and enforcement.

UNODC, under the Peace and Stabilization Engagement (PSE 1) of the Danish Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Programme (DMSP 2022–2026), outcome 3 (Gender roles and implementation of UNSCR 1325/Women, 

Peace and Security in relation to maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea), has partnered with Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) to advance gender equality, peace, and security in the maritime sector.

As part of its 2025 activities, UNODC and WIMOWCA are convening a two-day regional conference, scheduled for November 6–7, 2025, at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, Ghana. 

The conference will bring together participants from 14 Gulf of Guinea countries to address challenges, share lessons, and strengthen cooperation to ensure women play a central role in shaping regional responses to organised crime, maritime security threats, and governance gaps.

This event is an opportunity to consolidate ongoing efforts by bringing women serving in maritime law enforcement and security agencies into the fold of WIMOWCA. This approach strengthens regional collaboration and ensures the sustainability of women’s participation in the sector without creating parallel structures or duplicating existing initiatives.

This conference aligns with UNSCR 1325, the IMO Women in Maritime Programme, and IMO Assembly Resolution A.1147(31) (on barrier-free working environments for women), as well as other global frameworks that advance SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and inclusive ocean governance.