Women4Oceans launches a global platform connecting women across the ocean sector

Evolving from its original directory, Women4Oceans helps women connect and share their work, while making it easier for organisations, media and event organisers to find women with the expertise they need.

In late September 2026, The Ocean and Us launched the newly evolved Women4Oceans platform, expanding its original directory into a global space where women working across the ocean sector can connect, exchange knowledge and discover opportunities. The platform has already welcomed more than 200 members across over 50 countries, reflecting the diversity and global reach of the ocean community. Bringing together women working in science, conservation, policy, law, technology, business, the blue economy, ocean sports, art and many other fields, the network aims to foster connections, encourage the exchange of ideas and open up new opportunities for collaboration.

Founded by ocean advocate Farah Obaidullah in 2016, Women4Oceans began as a Facebook group before growing into a global network and an online directory. The aim was simple: make women working across the ocean sector easier to find, foster connections, and challenge the assumption that there are too few women experts available to speak at conferences, contribute to media coverage, or take part in ocean decision-making.

The new platform builds on that work. Members can create profiles, discover other women through a searchable directory and interactive map, connect directly, and share information in thematic discussion spaces. Discussion topics include the High Seas, coral reefs, polar oceans, the deep sea, the blue economy, ocean art and storytelling, gender equality, ocean governance, and much more.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →