By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The inaugural African Maritime Gender Network (AMGN) Conference, titled “Gender Considerations in Maritime Security,” is being held on January 14-15, 2025, at the Radisson Blu in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event is organized by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown and the Mission of Iceland to Sierra Leone.
The conference will feature prominent speakers, including Hon. Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt, Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Freetown; Hon. Ambassador Robert Scott, AFRICOM Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement; Hon. Ásdís Bjarnadóttir, Chargé d’affaires of Iceland to Sierra Leone; and Mr. William Moeller, Foreign Policy Advisor at U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa.
Attendees will include Maura Barry, Senior Development Advisor at AFRICOM representing USAID, along with military and civilian representatives from several African nations, including Sierra Leone, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Namibia, Gabon, Liberia, and Nigeria.
The conference will cover critical topics such as gender considerations in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in the Gulf of Guinea, increasing female participation in security sectors and decision-making, the impact of gender on international, humanitarian, and maritime law, and the economic empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
The primary objective of the conference is to foster dialogue on addressing maritime threats through a gender lens. It aims to provide a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for enhancing gender inclusion in the maritime industry. This initiative highlights the commitment of the U.S. and its partners to advancing gender equality and strengthening maritime security in Africa through defense, diplomacy, and development.
