WISTA UK celebrating our 45th Anniversary @ The IMO

On 11 July, WISTA UK held an event to celebrate its 45th Anniversary and was delighted to be able to recognise 3 of the founders, who joined them from around the world on the night, Stella Marks, Margaret Llewellyn and Gina Fyffe (the first international member).

The founders spoke about their stories – the misogyny that was all prevalent when they joined the industry in the 70 s (“I don’t want women on the trading floor “; “now that you have a baby should you stay home and look after it“), how they  stayed on anyway and developed the sisterhood that was WISTA and stayed at the top of the game . Don’t let anyone stop you doing what you want was the message with a hint of sadness that there is still a need for WISTA – and that there is still a gender pay gap.

Maria Dixon was also celebrated for being one the oldest and most visible faces of WISTA UK – for her dedication and her energy and infectious joy!

The ABBA tribute band/ the DJ: the weather and the view contributed to the IMO seeing another great event at its premises and WISTA UK ready for another 45 years – #womenwhomovetheworld #womeninshipping #womeninmaritime #the100%

WISTA UK was also able to raise £400 which will be matched by them for their two 2019 charities Seafarers UK and the Maritime Skills Alliance.