Circular Letter 2026/11

2 July 2026

Subject: Call for nominations for the IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine AtoN

To: All Members

Dear Members, The Council has decided to establish an IALA recognition programme to highlight and encourage efforts that advance gender equality and the empowerment of women in Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) and related maritime safety activities. The Terms of Reference for the IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigationcan be found in Annex A. The Terms of Reference set out the purpose and goal of the Award, eligibility and assessment criteria, nomination process, form of recognition, assessment arrangements, and indicative timetable. The Award will accord international recognition to individuals, irrespective of gender, who, either in their personal capacity or as representatives of their respective institutions, have made significant and verifiable contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in Marine AtoN or related maritime safety activities. Nominations should be submitted by completing and signing the nomination form attached as Annex B. The deadline for submission is Monday, 4 January 2027. Candidatures received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration. All nominations should be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line “Nomination – IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine AtoN”. The presentation of the Award will take place during the 21st IALA Conference, to be held in Mumbai, India, in November 2027. Should you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at [email protected] .

ANNEX A

IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigation

1. Background

The aim of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) is to foster the safe and efficient movement of vessels through the improvement and harmonization of Marine Aids to Navigation worldwide for the benefit of the maritime community and the protection of the marine environment. Aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda—particularly SDG 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls—the Organization seeks to highlight and accelerate the contribution of women across AtoN, and related maritime safety activities. Establishing a dedicated IALA award will reinforce inclusivity, professional excellence and equal opportunities within IALA’s global membership while inspiring future generations of female professionals.

2. Purpose

The IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigation accords international recognition to individuals (irrespective of gender) who—personally or on behalf of their institutions—have made significant, verifiable contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in AtoN, or related maritime safety activities.

3. Goal The Award aims to encourage members of the Organization, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners and industry stakeholders to continue adopting and promoting policies and actions that create a working environment where women are treated as equals and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

4. Criteria for Eligibility

Individuals at any rank and irrespective of gender working in, or significantly supporting, AtoN, or related maritime safety activities (including government authorities, industry, non-governmental organizations, or scientific agencies) who have contributed to the empowerment of women at national, regional or international levels. Illustrative contributions may be inter alia:

• Adoption or promotion of measures, policies, regulations or legislation that advance gender equality.

• Serving as visible role models catalyzing positive change on all levels of authority and responsibility.

• Supporting education, training, mentoring and capacity-building for women in AtoN.

• Leading projects/initiatives that measurably improve inclusion, representation or leadership opportunities for

women in AtoN or related maritime safety activities.

5. Nominations

The Secretariat will issue a call for nominations in regular intervals, along with the Conference preparation, implementing a circle of approximately 36 months. Nominations may be submitted by members of the Organization. Members can nominate candidates from organizations in other Member States, and not only their own country. Nominations should be addressed to the Secretary‑General and include a detailed description of the nominee’s achievements with supporting documentation, e.g. evidence, testimonies, metrics and, where applicable, audiovisual materials. Nominating members are invited to bear the costs of travel and accommodation for their nominee.

6. Assessment Panel Composition. Nominations will be evaluated by an Assessment Panel appointed by the Secretary‑General, consisting of the Secretary‑General as Chair; two representatives from the Council (geographically diverse), one representative from Affiliate Industrial Members Group, and one representative from the leadership (Chair/Vice‑Chair) of a Committee who is preferably a woman (rotating across committees if possible). Functions. The Panel will review all nominations against the Award’s purpose and criteria, assess supporting documentation and select one winner. The Council will be invited to endorse the Panel’s decision. The Secretariat will provide administrative support.

7. Form of the Award

The Award takes the form of a trophy accompanied by a certificate citing the winner’s contribution to improving gender equality within AtoN. The Assessment Panel may recommend Letters of Commendation for deserving nominees not selected as the winner. The recipient will be invited to contribute a short article outlining challenges addressed, actions taken and outcomes achieved in furthering an inclusive AtoN culture. The IALA Secretariat will publish and disseminate the article via IALA channels (website, social media, etc.) and, where appropriate, integrate the recipient into mentoring or leadership development activities supported by Members of the Organization and partners.

8. Award Ceremony

The Award will be presented by the Secretary‑General at the IALA Conferences to maximize visibility and networking opportunities for the awardee.

9. Periodicity

The Award will be presented every 3 years, aligned with the cycle of Conferences, and reviewed periodically for effectiveness and sustainability.

10. Timetable (indicative)

• Call for nominations issued by the Secretariat.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations (date set in the call).

• Assessment Panel review and recommendation of winner.

• Council endorsement of the Panel’s outcome.

• Notification and press release coordinated by the Secretariat.

• Award ceremony at the next eligible IALA Conference.

11. Follow‑up and Visibility

• Profile the winner on IALA’s website and communication channels.

• Invite the winner to serve as a speaker/mentor/role model in IALA capacity‑building activities.

• Encourage Member‑led mentoring networks and knowledge‑exchange activities associated with the Award.

Annex B

Nomination Form – IALA Award Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigation

Instructions: Complete all sections. Where applicable, add annexes (evidence, testimonials, metrics, audiovisual materials). Maximum narrative length: 3 pages.

Nominating entity (Member; or partner organization) (Type here)

Contact person (nominator)

Name, title, email, phone (Type here)

Nominee Name, title, nationality, organization (Type here)

Nominee contact Email, phone (Type here)

Scope of contribution AtoN / Related maritime safety field (Type here)

Geographical impact National / Regional / International (tick) ☐ National ☐ Regional ☐ International (Type here)

Consent The nominee has been informed of this nomination and consents to the processing of submitted data.

☐ Yes ☐ No (Type here)

Signatures For and on behalf of nominating entity – Name, position, signature, date (Type here)

Narrative description of contributions toward gender equality (max. 3 pages)

• Context & barriers addressed

• Actions taken (policies, programmes, mentorship, training, role‑modelling)

• Results & evidence (metrics, outcomes, testimonies)

• Sustainability & transferability

Supporting materials (list and attach as annexes)

Submission: Send the completed nomination to the Secretariat at [email protected] with subject ‘Nomination – IALA

Award: Empowering Women in Marine AtoN’. Deadline for submission is Monday 4 January 2027.

Circular Letter 2026/11

2 July 2026

Subject: Call for nominations for the IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine AtoN

To: All Members

Dear Members, The Council has decided to establish an IALA recognition programme to highlight and encourage efforts that advance gender equality and the empowerment of women in Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) and related maritime safety activities. The Terms of Reference for the IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigationcan be found in Annex A. The Terms of Reference set out the purpose and goal of the Award, eligibility and assessment criteria, nomination process, form of recognition, assessment arrangements, and indicative timetable. The Award will accord international recognition to individuals, irrespective of gender, who, either in their personal capacity or as representatives of their respective institutions, have made significant and verifiable contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in Marine AtoN or related maritime safety activities. Nominations should be submitted by completing and signing the nomination form attached as Annex B. The deadline for submission is Monday, 4 January 2027. Candidatures received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration. All nominations should be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line “Nomination – IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine AtoN”. The presentation of the Award will take place during the 21st IALA Conference, to be held in Mumbai, India, in November 2027. Should you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at [email protected] .

ANNEX A

IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigation

1. Background

The aim of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) is to foster the safe and efficient movement of vessels through the improvement and harmonization of Marine Aids to Navigation worldwide for the benefit of the maritime community and the protection of the marine environment. Aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda—particularly SDG 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls—the Organization seeks to highlight and accelerate the contribution of women across AtoN, and related maritime safety activities. Establishing a dedicated IALA award will reinforce inclusivity, professional excellence and equal opportunities within IALA’s global membership while inspiring future generations of female professionals.

2. Purpose

The IALA Award: Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigation accords international recognition to individuals (irrespective of gender) who—personally or on behalf of their institutions—have made significant, verifiable contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in AtoN, or related maritime safety activities.

3. Goal The Award aims to encourage members of the Organization, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners and industry stakeholders to continue adopting and promoting policies and actions that create a working environment where women are treated as equals and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

4. Criteria for Eligibility

Individuals at any rank and irrespective of gender working in, or significantly supporting, AtoN, or related maritime safety activities (including government authorities, industry, non-governmental organizations, or scientific agencies) who have contributed to the empowerment of women at national, regional or international levels. Illustrative contributions may be inter alia:

• Adoption or promotion of measures, policies, regulations or legislation that advance gender equality.

• Serving as visible role models catalyzing positive change on all levels of authority and responsibility.

• Supporting education, training, mentoring and capacity-building for women in AtoN.

• Leading projects/initiatives that measurably improve inclusion, representation or leadership opportunities for

women in AtoN or related maritime safety activities.

5. Nominations

The Secretariat will issue a call for nominations in regular intervals, along with the Conference preparation, implementing a circle of approximately 36 months. Nominations may be submitted by members of the Organization. Members can nominate candidates from organizations in other Member States, and not only their own country. Nominations should be addressed to the Secretary‑General and include a detailed description of the nominee’s achievements with supporting documentation, e.g. evidence, testimonies, metrics and, where applicable, audiovisual materials. Nominating members are invited to bear the costs of travel and accommodation for their nominee.

6. Assessment Panel Composition. Nominations will be evaluated by an Assessment Panel appointed by the Secretary‑General, consisting of the Secretary‑General as Chair; two representatives from the Council (geographically diverse), one representative from Affiliate Industrial Members Group, and one representative from the leadership (Chair/Vice‑Chair) of a Committee who is preferably a woman (rotating across committees if possible). Functions. The Panel will review all nominations against the Award’s purpose and criteria, assess supporting documentation and select one winner. The Council will be invited to endorse the Panel’s decision. The Secretariat will provide administrative support.

7. Form of the Award

The Award takes the form of a trophy accompanied by a certificate citing the winner’s contribution to improving gender equality within AtoN. The Assessment Panel may recommend Letters of Commendation for deserving nominees not selected as the winner. The recipient will be invited to contribute a short article outlining challenges addressed, actions taken and outcomes achieved in furthering an inclusive AtoN culture. The IALA Secretariat will publish and disseminate the article via IALA channels (website, social media, etc.) and, where appropriate, integrate the recipient into mentoring or leadership development activities supported by Members of the Organization and partners.

8. Award Ceremony

The Award will be presented by the Secretary‑General at the IALA Conferences to maximize visibility and networking opportunities for the awardee.

9. Periodicity

The Award will be presented every 3 years, aligned with the cycle of Conferences, and reviewed periodically for effectiveness and sustainability.

10. Timetable (indicative)

• Call for nominations issued by the Secretariat.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations (date set in the call).

• Assessment Panel review and recommendation of winner.

• Council endorsement of the Panel’s outcome.

• Notification and press release coordinated by the Secretariat.

• Award ceremony at the next eligible IALA Conference.

11. Follow‑up and Visibility

• Profile the winner on IALA’s website and communication channels.

• Invite the winner to serve as a speaker/mentor/role model in IALA capacity‑building activities.

• Encourage Member‑led mentoring networks and knowledge‑exchange activities associated with the Award.

Annex B

Nomination Form – IALA Award Empowering Women in Marine Aids to Navigation

Instructions: Complete all sections. Where applicable, add annexes (evidence, testimonials, metrics, audiovisual materials). Maximum narrative length: 3 pages.

Nominating entity (Member; or partner organization) (Type here)

Contact person (nominator)

Name, title, email, phone (Type here)

Nominee Name, title, nationality, organization (Type here)

Nominee contact Email, phone (Type here)

Scope of contribution AtoN / Related maritime safety field (Type here)

Geographical impact National / Regional / International (tick) ☐ National ☐ Regional ☐ International (Type here)

Consent The nominee has been informed of this nomination and consents to the processing of submitted data.

☐ Yes ☐ No (Type here)

Signatures For and on behalf of nominating entity – Name, position, signature, date (Type here)

Narrative description of contributions toward gender equality (max. 3 pages)

• Context & barriers addressed

• Actions taken (policies, programmes, mentorship, training, role‑modelling)

• Results & evidence (metrics, outcomes, testimonies)

• Sustainability & transferability

Supporting materials (list and attach as annexes)

Submission: Send the completed nomination to the Secretariat at [email protected] with subject ‘Nomination – IALA

Award: Empowering Women in Marine AtoN’. Deadline for submission is Monday 4 January 2027.