“Women 4 Blue: Empowering Women in the Blue Economy” the meeting that will take place on September 26th in Ravenna on the blue economy and the valorization of the female component.

“Women 4 Blue: Empowering Women in the Blue Economy” is the title of the morning meeting and discussion on the blue economy, opportunities and challenges for Ravenna and Europe aimed at the younger generations and all interested citizens which will be held on September 26th at Artificerie Almagià in Ravenna starting at 9am.

Starting from September, the European Commission Representation in Italy will carry out a series of initiatives focused on knowledge of the Blue Economy and European policies for the sea and the protection of biodiversity throughout the national territory in collaboration with some Europe Direct (ED) Centres.

“I find it very significant and rewarding – says Annagiulia Randi, Councillor for Port and European Policies – that the cycle of educational moments on the sea that will take place in various coastal locations in Italy, coordinated by the European Commission, will be opened by Ravenna with our Women 4 Blue proposal. This initiative is part of a project that I strongly supported to highlight and enhance how much the female component can contribute to economic development, scientific and social in terms of sustainability. Women are still too under-represented in the sectors of the blue economy such as ports and off-shore, fishing and marine sciences, but when they try their hand at these areas they can really achieve peaks of excellence and innovation. I am sure that the professionals present will be a great inspiration for the young people who will participate”.

The initiative is created by the Europe Direct Centre of Romagna and has been included by the European Commission's DG Mare in the European Maritime Day in My Country 2024 campaign.

The morning will be opened by Daniele Rossi, President of the Central-Northern Adriatic Sea Port Authority and Antonella Bandoli, president of the women's entrepreneurship committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Ravenna and Ferrara. The main speaker will be Mariasole Bianco, an expert in marine conservation, scientist and environmental communicator, and president of Worldrise, known to the general public for her ability to mobilize for the protection of the sea based on scientific rigor. We will start from scientific and normative contours of the theme of economic growth and protection of biodiversity to then understand what and how many professional opportunities are offered in the field of sustainable maritime development. A round table will follow with testimonials of Ravenna's good practices in the Blue economy. Thanks to the testimonials, presentations will be made professions even little known in the fields of maritime transport, logistics, off-shore, research and environmental protection.

The conclusions will be entrusted to Costanza Musso, President Wista Italy, national branch of the international association of maritime industry professionals.

Among the interventions also Alexandra Portis, which deals with communication on maritime affairs of the European Commission and which will also be able to illustrate to the young people present opportunities for internships and European volunteering in the Blue field. Communication and creativity are also in fact professional paths that contribute to blue growth: to enrich the initiative a small exhibition of Vladana Vujosevic, an artist who through his works embodies his commitment and passion for the sea.