Colombia signed the Women Ocean Guardians Commitment in Geneva, becoming the eighth government to pledge action on gender equity in ocean governance. The signing marks a significant milestone for the initiative, which was launched at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and has rapidly grown into a global movement to place women at the forefront of marine protection and sustainable ocean economies.
“Colombia’s signing of the Voluntary Commitment pays tribute to the women who, from coastal territories, have historically protected the oceans,” said Elizabeth Taylor Jay, ambassador for the oceans and coastal zones of Colombia. “Colombia highlighted the role of thousands of women guardians – fishers, scientists, mangrove restorers, Indigenous and community leaders – who care for the sea beyond traditional economic activities.”
The Women Ocean Guardians Initiative has connected women leaders from 11 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
