Empowering women
to protect the ocean
Supporting women is protecting the ocean
Women in Ocean Science (WOS) is a UK registered charity, global network and community that tackles gendered challenges in marine science and conservation. It’s our mission to empower women to thrive in ocean-related careers by providing essential support, training, and development opportunities. We believe that supporting women is protecting the ocean—by elevating female voices, we are fostering an international movement to drive meaningful change for our marine environment.
OUR PROJECTS
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EMPOWER OCEAN
We create opportunities for local women from small island communities to become guardians of their own marine environment.
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WOS COMMUNITY
Our global community of likeminded women can access special events, resources and opportunities.
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AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME
We support a network of +100 relatable role models across multiple academic institutions worldwide.
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WOS x ICB PARTNERSHIP
We’ve teamed up with Integrative and Comparative Biology (ICB) to publish a special issue highlighting women in ocean science!
The Ocean Decade
The United Nations declared 2021–2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development - a global effort to generate the science we need for the ocean we want. Among the first endorsed Decade Actions was the Empowering Women for the Ocean Decade Programme: a commitment to advancing gender equality in ocean science and ensuring women are at the forefront of science, policy, and governance for our ocean’s future.
At Women in Ocean Science, this mission is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to support this global movement by breaking down barriers to women’s participation and leadership in marine science - from fieldwork and research to policy, communication, and governance. Across all that we do, we bridge SDG 5 and SDG 14, because ocean health and gender equity are inseparable.
The ocean we want must include the women we need.
We need you to help shape the future of WOS
As we prepare for an exciting 2025, we want to hear from the people who matter most: you. Women in Ocean Science exists to support and elevate women and gender-diverse people pursuing careers in ocean-related fields. Your experiences, challenges, and ideas help guide the programmes, resources, and community we build.
By sharing your insights, you directly influence the future of WOS - from mentorship and training to advocacy and global impact. Help us create the support system you need to thrive!
SUPPORTERS
Make an impact today
Support our mission by contributing a donation. Learn more →