Women4Oceans has launched an expanded global platform connecting women across ocean science, conservation, policy and business, creating new opportunities for collaboration, visibility and professional development worldwide.
Launched in late September 2026 by The Ocean and Us, the platform builds on an established network to help women working across the ocean sector connect, exchange knowledge and access opportunities. More than 200 members from over 50 countries have already joined.
The initiative also makes it easier for journalists, conference organisers, businesses and other organisations to identify women experts for interviews, speaking engagements and collaborative projects.
Founded by ocean advocate Farah Obaidullah in 2016, Women4Oceans began as a Facebook group before evolving into an international network and online directory. Its original purpose was to increase the visibility of women working in ocean-related fields and challenge the perception that there were too few female experts available for public discussions and decision-making.
The expanded platform introduces member profiles, a searchable directory, an interactive map and dedicated discussion spaces. Members can connect across disciplines including marine science, ocean conservation, law, technology, the blue economy, ocean sports, art and storytelling.
“The Ocean is in a perilous state, and we must do everything we can to reverse this trend. Change is possible if we work together. Women4Oceans builds community to accelerate innovation and drive forward solutions. Women have been working to protect the ocean across many fields for generations, yet our expertise and leadership are not always visible. Women4Oceans seeks to change that,” said Obaidullah, founder of Women4Oceans and The Ocean and Us.
Discussion spaces cover subjects ranging from coral reefs and the deep sea to ocean governance, gender equality, polar oceans and sustainable economic opportunities.
The platform also responds to a practical challenge faced by media professionals and event organisers: identifying relevant female expertise across the ocean sector.
“Whether you’re looking for a speaker for a panel, an expert to interview or someone to collaborate with, finding the right person can be harder than it should be. We want Women4Oceans to make those connections easier, while giving women a place to share their work and discover what others are doing,” said Stephanie Lerner, Communications Lead at The Ocean and Us.
Beyond professional networking, members can share events and opportunities, while mentorship and additional collaboration tools form part of the platform’s longer-term development plans.
Women4Oceans is also building relationships with partner organisations to expand its international reach. Current partners include She Changes Ocean, The Ocean Opportunity Lab, Women Ocean Guardians, Win-Big, The Magenta Project and Ireland’s Marine Institute.
The initiative aims to strengthen women’s representation and participation across ocean-related industries while supporting the exchange of knowledge and solutions to environmental challenges.
Women working in the ocean sector can join the platform at www.women4oceans.org.
