The sounds of animated conversation, punctuated by the evocative tones of the steelpan and keyboards, filled the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters at Marlborough House, London on a warm afternoon in June.

Hosted by the Commonwealth Blue Charter in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, this celebration focused on the pivotal role played by women in ocean sectors, their successes and the continuing work needed to close the gender gap.

Across the ocean sciences, women make up 37 per cent of the workforce and almost 39 per cent of oceanographic researchers. While there has been tremendous progress, it is important to encourage equity and highlight women’s contributions.

World Ocean Day, celebrated annually by the UN on June 8th, is dedicated to recognising the critical role that the ocean plays in our world by regulating our climate, providing sustenance, and fostering biodiversity.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, welcomed those gathered for the event, titled: ‘Empowering waves: Celebrating women in ocean, science, arts, communications and government’.

The Blue Marine Foundation partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat in hosting this event. The NGO works to restore the ocean to health by addressing overfishing, one of the world’s biggest environmental problems. To support this vision, they have created marine reserves, restored vital habitats and established models of sustainable fishing.

Before the discussion, Fernando Montano, Royal Ballet Soloist and Ocean Ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society, captivated the audience with a dance inspired by the ocean. A talented artist and photographer, he also displayed ocean-inspired art pieces at the event and joined the panel to offer his thoughts on the evening’s theme.

Musical compositions, reflecting the emotional connection with the ocean, were provided by Pablo Barrios on keyboards and Samuel Dubois on the steelpan. The duo is part of Commonwealth Resounds, an organisation which connects musical cultures and promotes music education initiatives in Commonwealth countries.

The evening’s highlight was the spirited and insightful discussion led by an accomplished group of women: Kaija Barisa, Senior Economist at the Blue Marine Foundation; Josephine Latu-Sanft, Global Communications Specialist at the International Maritime Organisation; and Ellen Wilkinson, Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador. Rebecca Self, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sea Wolf Consulting, facilitated the discussion.