WISTA Belgium represented at European Maritime Security Study Visit

WISTA Belgium was proudly represented in Brussels during the European study visit on maritime and port security in West and Central Africa, held from 26 to 30 January 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands.

This high-level study visit was organised by Expertise France through the EU-funded EnMAR – Enhanced Maritime Action in the Gulf of Guinea and SCOPE Africa programmes. It brought together 30 women professionals from the maritime and port security sectors across West and Central Africa with European institutions, ports and partners.

WISTA Belgium was represented by Anne-Pascale Mornard of the Antwerp Maritime Academy, who ensured that the voice and expertise of women in the Belgian maritime sector were actively present throughout the programme.

During the week, participants took part in:

• High-level round-table discussions at the European Parliament

• Exchanges with EU institutions and policy makers

• Port visits in Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges

• Peer-to-peer dialogues with European women active in maritime and port security

The programme specifically aimed to strengthen women’s participation in maritime and port security, foster Euro-African professional networks, and promote a more inclusive and resilient security architecture for global shipping and ports.

A key milestone of the visit was the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between Expertise France and the Réseau des Femmes Professionnelles Maritimes et Portuaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre (RFPMP-AOC), reinforcing long-term cooperation to support women’s leadership, capacity building and visibility in the sector.

WISTA Belgium is proud to contribute to this international dialogue through the active participation of Anne-Pascale Mornard, and to support initiatives that connect women across continents, strengthen maritime security and promote gender equality in the global maritime community.