-As They Commemorate 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – Women in Maritime across West and Central Africa have taken a decisive lead in the fight for gender equality, as the WIMOWCA Liberia Chapter, in collaboration with the National Port Authority (NPA) and other key stakeholders, successfully concluded a two-day celebration honoring the 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime. The event, which blended mentorship with high-level advocacy, showcased the growing power of women in the blue economy.
The observance, which began on Friday, May 15, and culminated on the globally recognized day of Monday, May 18, 2026, brought together a coalition of maritime giants, including the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), and the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).
Under the global theme, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” and the national sub-theme, “Empowering Liberian Women to Navigate Maritime Excellence,” women in maritime reaffirmed their commitment to moving beyond rhetoric to ensure inclusion, leadership, and equal opportunities at sea and ashore.
Day one of the observance was dedicated to a Career Mentorship Workshop for female senior high school students. Held at the National Freeport Auditorium, the workshop drew over one hundred female students from 32 senior high schools across Monrovia and surrounding communities—directly planting the seeds for the next generation of women in maritime.
The second day shifted to an indoor program at the Monrovia City Hall on 1st Street, Sinkor, where women in maritime displayed the strength and growing impact of Liberian women in the sector. The event also served as a platform to showcase the incredible depth of women in maritime governance. Among the distinguished women in maritime in Liberia are:
Cllr. Margaret C. Ansumana
Deputy Commissioner for Maritime Affairs
Liberia Maritime Authority
Margaret C. Ansumana is a Maritime Legal Expert and negotiator with over two decades of experience in ocean governance, maritime safety, security, and environmental administration. She is a member of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) and the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL).
She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration at the University of Liberia, LLB from the Louise Arthur Grimes School of Law, and an LLM in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta.
Cllr. Ansumana joined the Liberia Maritime Authority in 2006 with an assignment at the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry, headquarters in Virginia, USA. Prior to this assignment, she served as the Alternate Permanent Representative of Liberia to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for several years. She has headed the Liberian Government delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations, and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), for Global Forums, meetings, and conferences in London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Several countries around the world, where she negotiated and concluded bilateral Maritime Transport Agreements on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
As the first female Maritime Lawyer of Liberia, Cllr. Ansumana has provided mentorship for several young Liberian women and men within the Maritime Sector of Liberia, some of whom are now at the peak of their careers.
Ms. Manu M. Kamara
Ms. Manu M. Kamara serves as the Liberia Maritime Special Representative to West and Central Africa
Ms. Kamara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Liberia and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Strayer University in Washington, D.C., USA.
She is the President Emeritus of the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) – Liberia Chapter. During her presidency, she provided visionary leadership that mobilized, unified, and elevated women across Liberia’s maritime sector. She championed visibility, inclusion, and representation—achieving national and international recognition for Liberian women in maritime.
One of her signature accomplishments was hosting the celebration of the first-ever International Day for Women in Maritime Program in Liberia, May 15, 2024, a landmark event that positioned Liberia as an active contributor to global gender inclusion efforts in the maritime industry.
Ms. Kamara brings a rich blend of private-sector, public-sector, and international experience. She is a governance and social impact professional with extensive expertise in corporate social responsibility (CSR), institutional development, and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, she served as Director for Corporate Social Responsibility at Liberia Maritime Authority, where she led strategic CSR programming, strengthened departmental governance, and cultivated cross-sector partnerships that advanced national development priorities.
She also championed gender inclusion and leadership pathways for women within the maritime ecosystem.
In her current role as Liberia Maritime Special Representative to West and Central Africa She supports an emerging strategic mandate to “build a maritime nation”, strengthening Liberia’s engagement with regional maritime institutions and advancing the country’s visibility and influence across West and Central Africa.
Ms. Kamara is recognized for her integrity, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering women and strengthening Liberia’s maritime governance landscape.
Mrs. Emma Metieh-Glassco
Mrs. Emma Metieh-Glassco is an accomplished young Ocean Governance Expert with a wealth of experience counting over 11 years, and knowledge of the fisheries and maritime sectors. She obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Affairs with emphasis in Ocean Sustainability Governance and Management from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, where she extensively covered the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other related maritime course modules such as International Maritime Law and Policy, Multilateral Diplomacy and Negotiations etc.
She also obtained a diploma in Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries Management in Australia from the Australia National University (ANU). At ANU she was afforded an opportunity to visit Rhodes University in Mauritius, East Africa, where she participated in a training on Sustainable Fisheries Management. She is the Past Immediate Director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority.
Madam Yvonne Clinton
Madam Yvonne Clinton serves as Deputy Commissioner for Ship Registration at the Liberia Maritime Authority. She is a maritime career professional with over two decades of technical experience in maritime safety, operations, and administration, marine electronics and engineering, flag state implementation, port state control, and international maritime regulations.
Her academic journey emanates from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, the Maine Maritime Academy in the USA, the IMO International Maritime Academy in Italy, and a postgraduate diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and International Relations from Liberia’s Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute.
This unique blend of technical and diplomatic expertise has empowered her to navigate both the engineering and policy dimensions of maritime governance throughout her career journey. She is driven by commitment to safety at sea, environmental protection, and international collaboration. Madam Yvonne Clinton thrives in roles that demand precision, leadership, and cross‑cultural communication, whether advising on compliance with the ILO Maritime Labour Convention or mentoring the next generation of maritime professionals.
Ms. Debbie Porlee Cooper
Ms. Debbie Porlee Cooper is a maritime, security, and policy professional, who currently serves as the Director for Policy Compliance & International Relations at the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA). With close to two decades of dedicated service to her Country, spanning Liberia’s military and maritime governance, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Liberia’s strategic positioning within the global maritime domain.
Ms. Cooper holds a multidisciplinary academic portfolio from premier national and international institutions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from the University of Liberia, a Master of Science Degree in Intelligence, Security, and Disaster Management, Masters of Science Degree in Maritime Affairs, with emphasis in Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration from the World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden.
Ms. Cooper is the current Director for Policy Compliance & International Relations at the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA). She operates at the critical intersection of maritime safety, environmental compliance, and regional security. Her extensive background makes her a key asset in managing disaster risk, national intelligence framework alignment, and international maritime diplomacy.
Madam Olivia Faith Tah Johnson
Olivia Faith Tah Johnson is a distinguished Liberian maritime professional, who is recognized for her exceptional contributions to maritime administration, corporate governance, and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
With over 25 years of service, she has built a distinguished career at the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) Trust Company the world’s largest Ship Registry. She currently serves as Head of Corporate at LISCR Trust Company. Along with her role directing the affairs of the corporate department, she ensures proper documentation for Liberian seafarers, including identification records, licenses, certificates of competence and proficiency, and endorsements Provides support across all areas of LISCR’s operations, including ship registration and corporate services, and oversees the LISCR Trust Company Scholarship Program.
Mrs. Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from the United Methodist University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Liberia, and a Master of Science in Maritime Administration from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. Her work reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of seafarers and the advancement of Liberia’s maritime sector.
She is the current President of Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) – Liberia Chapter. In this capacity, she has championed advocacy and initiatives to empower women and young professionals within the maritime sector. Notably, she introduced WIMOWCA’s Maritime Career Awareness and Mentorship Program, launched as part of the activities of International Day for Women in Maritime.
Additionally, her team is pioneering the Liberia Maritime Heroine Awards, to be launched on May 18, 2026, which will annually honor distinguished female maritime professionals for their outstanding contributions and service to the maritime industry of Liberia. Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Johnson is passionate about sharing her faith, mentoring young women, and farming. She finds joy in nurturing growth both in the land and in the lives of those she guides.
Mrs. Fatu M. Shaw
Mrs. Fatu M. Shaw Serves as Associate Director for Maritime Intelligence and Investigation at the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA). Where she coordinates marine casualty Investigations, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) audit, port investigations, and Intelligence.
She obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the African Methodist Episcopal University, a Post Graduate Degree in Port Security from the Galilee Institute in Israel, and a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Affairs from the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden.
She is an accomplished maritime Security professional with sixteen (16) years of national and international experience ranging from maritime Security and Safety regulatory compliance, Intelligence management, and offshore Investigation.
Nine (9) out of the sixteen (16) years experienced as the lone female maritime security officer at LiMA. She has represented Liberia’s maritime interests at several Regional and International meetings, Conferences, and Inspections relevant to protecting and preserving Liberia’s maritime domain.
As a woman in Maritime Security, she has led Training initiatives that aim at strengthening the capacity of women within the Liberian Security Sector, she has led advocacy for women’s training and education, visibility, and equal participation, within the maritime security sector. Fatu is known for mentoring and encouraging young women to take advantage of opportunities for maritime security careers growth, elevation, and excellence.
Madam Esther K. Nmah
Ms. Esther K. Nmah serves as the Executive Director for the Port State Coordination Department at the National Port Authority, where she plays a key role in strengthening the National Port Authority’s compliance with national and international maritime standards, specifically in areas relating to port safety, environmental protection, dangerous goods management, port reception facilities, and IMO-related obligations.
Ms. Nmah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management from the University of Liberia, an advanced maritime study at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, where she obtained specialized knowledge in Port Management and maritime administration, and several Maritime Professional Training Certificates. Ms. Nmah is a distinguished Liberian maritime professional, committed public servant, and one of the brilliant female leaders of the National Port Authority of Liberia.
She is recognized for her humility, hard work, technical ability, and passion for building the capacity of others within the port and maritime sector. As the National Port Authority’s Focal Person for the IMO Audit Scheme Team, she successfully led her team through the International Maritime Organization Audit Scheme, ensuring that the National Port Authority contributed effectively to Liberia’s compliance efforts in maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and regulatory standards.
She is admired for her intelligence, resilience, humility, and commitment to excellence. Her rise from Assistant Clerk to Executive Director is a powerful story of discipline, growth, and service with purpose.
She currently serves as the Vice President of Port Women Navigating Excellence, a Women in Maritime organization at the National Port Authority. In this role, she has championed advocacy that supports the empowerment, visibility, and professional advancement of women in the port and maritime sector. Her involvement reflects her belief that women must be encouraged, prepared, and given equal opportunities to lead and excel in maritime spaces.
Madam Grace Maweaha Vaye Nuhn
Madam Nuhn is a maritime safety and environmental administration expert with a marine and offshore engineering background. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from Regional Maritime University, and two Master of Science degrees in marine and Offshore Engineering from Liverpool, John Moores University and Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration from World Maritime University, Sweden. Nuhn is the Technical Officer at the Liberian Permanent Mission to the IMO, London, United Kingdom
She is an accomplished maritime professional with about 22 years of national and international experience leading maritime regulatory compliance, safety management, offshore safety and environmental compliance, policy development, and strategic project execution across the public and private maritime sectors. She has built a distinguished career working onboard vessels, supporting flag state administration, maritime governance, and international regulatory implementation within leading maritime institutions, including the Liberian Maritime Authority, the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), and the Liberian Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
She possesses extensive expertise in the implementation and enforcement of major international maritime Instruments and regulatory frameworks. Her work has consistently focused on enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection, crew welfare, operational efficiency, and institutional capacity building onboard Liberian vessels and in Liberian waters.
Currently serving as Technical Officer at the Liberian Permanent Mission to the IMO, she provides strategic technical guidance on contemporary maritime issues, including digitalization, decarbonization, maritime security threats, and international regulatory compliance for Liberian-flagged vessels. She actively represents Liberia at IMO meetings and international maritime forums, where she contributes to policy development and negotiates bilateral maritime agreements with international stakeholders.
Atty. Miatta Fatima Kromah
Atty. Kromah currently serves as Legal and Policy Counsel to Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London and is an active coordinator and advocate for gender inclusion within the IMO Gender Network, where she leads programs to increase women’s visibility and participation across the maritime sector. She is a nominee for the 2026 Young Diplomat of the Year Awards in London.
Atty. Kromah is an International Liberian corporate and maritime lawyer and a member of the Liberia National Bar Association. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Cottington University, a Bachelor of Law Degree from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, an LL.M. in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), and a Master’s of Science Degree in International Strategy and Diplomacy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Miatta‑Fatima combines public‑sector maritime policy experience with private‑sector leadership: she has provided legal counsel to the Liberia Maritime Authority, represented Liberian maritime interests at IMO meetings, and has also led commercial ventures in Liberia. She is the founder and CEO of Harbour Law Group; a firm focused on maritime legal services operating offices in Monrovia and London.
She is a negotiator and an advocate for education, diversity, and inclusion, Atty. Kromah coordinates and champions programs within the IMO Gender Network to increase women’s visibility, participation, and leadership across the maritime sector. She has designed and led initiatives that open pathways for women and young professionals to enter maritime law, policy, and governance.
Atty. Kromah continually mentors, amplifies opportunities, and encourages other women to pursue maritime careers. Atty. Kromah frequently participates in speaking engagements on Liberia’s role in ocean governance and maritime trade, maritime policy, legislative drafting, and legal negotiations
Dr. Elizabeth- Rose Amidjogbe, Esq
Elizabeth-Rose Amidjogbe is an International Fisheries Legal Expert who has worked with non-profit organizations, private law firms, and government agencies. She obtained a Doctorate in International Fisheries Law from the University of Wollongong, Australia; a Master’s in Law in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta, E.U. a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers-Newark School of Law in New Jersey, U.S.A., and a Bachelor’s degree from Adrian College in Michigan, U.S.A.
Before commencing her PhD at the Australia National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), she served in various capacities, including as Legal Advisor to the Bureau of National Fisheries of the Republic of Liberia where she worked on a broad range of topics including governance, development, conservation, management, and legislation development within the fisheries sector. She, also, played an integral role in negotiating the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between Liberia and the European Union.
Elizabeth-Rose has travelled throughout the West African region, the European Union, and the United States representing Liberia in international negotiations and meetings covering legal and regulatory schemes of fisheries management. She served as a panelist on the Integrated Approach to Fisheries and Food Security session in the inaugural Our Ocean conference held in Washington, DC. As an Advisor, she has guided the Government of Liberia through difficult decisions to find creative and diverse solutions to maritime matters.
