Elpi Petraki: Championing Diversity in the Maritime Industry
Elpi Petraki, the President of WISTA International, reflects on her journey from a maritime upbringing in Greece to becoming an influential advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in shipping. Growing up in a shipping family, her interest in the maritime sector was sparked at an early age, leading her to study maritime business and law. Her career began in the family business, where she discovered the dynamic nature of shipping and its unique challenges.
Petraki has been an integral part of WISTA since 2001, initially joining WISTA Hellas as it was being established. Over the years, she has served in various roles, including President of WISTA Hellas, which allowed her to see firsthand the organization’s potential to influence change in the industry. WISTA, founded in 1974, has expanded dramatically, now boasting over 5,600 members and 62 National WISTA Associations (NWAs) globally. Its mission is to promote gender equality and diversity in the maritime, trade, and logistics sectors, working closely with international bodies to address key industry challenges.
As President, Petraki aims to foster inclusivity within all segments of shipping, supporting women in advancing their careers and striving to eliminate gender-based disparities. Her approach emphasizes collaboration rather than competition, highlighting the importance of recognizing the skills women bring to leadership roles. WISTA’s ongoing initiatives, including partnerships with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), bolster its mission by promoting gender diversity and creating resources like the Maritime Speakers Bureau to enhance female representation in industry discussions.
Despite some progress, women still constitute only 2% of the seafaring workforce and 29% of the overall maritime industry. Petraki acknowledges ongoing disparities and recognizes that change varies significantly across regions. She firmly believes that ignoring women in the workforce undermines the industry’s potential to solve pressing challenges. With recent pushback against diversity initiatives from certain governments and corporations, she underscores the necessity of continuing to advocate for inclusivity and the economic advantages that diversity brings.
Beyond her role at WISTA, Petraki is involved with several organizations, including the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. Her insights are fueled by a commitment to showcasing the contributions of women in shipping and spreading awareness about the need for inclusion.
Balancing her professional commitments, Petraki finds time for her family and personal interests, including art and history. Her passion for advocating for gender equality stems from a deep-seated belief that everyone should have equal opportunities, regardless of gender, race, or background. Looking ahead, she plans to leverage her position to promote diversity actively while encouraging the maritime industry to adopt supportive policies.
Elpi Petraki exemplifies the vital role of leadership in driving change, and her continued efforts serve as an inspiration for future generations in the maritime sector.
