WIN-BIG is an EU co-funded project aimed at bridging the gender gap in the European blue economy.
The project covered a three year period from 2023 to 2026. WIN-BIG was developed and executed by a consortium of 14 partners from across Europe including academia, business and non-profit organisations. The project was coordinated by the University of Aveiro, Portugal.
The project covered a three year period from 2023 to 2026. WIN-BIG was developed and executed by a consortium of 14 partners from across Europe including academia, business and non-profit organisations. The project was coordinated by the University of Aveiro, Portugal.
WIN-BIG’s aim was to address the current lack of or uneven knowledge on the role women play across Blue Economy (BuE) sectors and EU regions, with a focus on three highly technological emerging sectors: Blue Bioeconomy, Blue Sports and Sustainable Tourism and Marine Energy and Robotics.
The Blue Economy sector remains traditionally male-dominated across its established and emerging sectors. Women represent only 29% of the overall workforce and are often employed in the lowest-paid, lowest-status positions.
WIN-BIG helped advance the current knowledge on gender issues within BuE and presented innovative solutions to support women in joining and advancing in their careers within the blue economy.
The Blue Economy sector remains traditionally male-dominated across its established and emerging sectors. Women represent only 29% of the overall workforce and are often employed in the lowest-paid, lowest-status positions.
WIN-BIG helped advance the current knowledge on gender issues within BuE and presented innovative solutions to support women in joining and advancing in their careers within the blue economy.
WIN-BIG Summary of Results
Over the course of three years, WIN-BIG:
Whilst the project is closed for now, we want to keep some of assets available to women across Europe and beyond.
We welcome everyone to download and use the Learning Lab event templates and guidelines, access the reports and policy brief, download and share the Women Ocean Champions book, and organise viewings or watch the film Women from the Sea Significant Gestures.
We also welcome women in all ocean spaces to join the Women4Oceans (W4O) platform to continue elevating one and other by networking and exchanging information: www.women4oceans.org/directory
There is a dedicated thread in the W4O platform for the WIN-BIG network.
- Built a network of hundreds of women working in the blue economy from across Europe and beyond.
- Developed and disseminated a survey to understand the challenges faced by women in the blue economy across Europe.
- Developed status reports based on the data collected from the survey that provide valuable evidence for policymakers, researchers, educators, industry actors and organisations working to build a more inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy.
- Developed policy briefs highlighting the baseline knowledge on gender in the EU Blue Economy and underlining key findings of the literature review.
- Held networking events and learning labs across Europe’s seabasins including the Baltic, Mediterranean and Atlantic.
- Produced the Women Ocean Champions Book, highlighting trailblazing women across ocean-related sectors and regions in Europe.
- Supported the production of the Women From the Sea, Significant Gestures film.
Whilst the project is closed for now, we want to keep some of assets available to women across Europe and beyond.
We welcome everyone to download and use the Learning Lab event templates and guidelines, access the reports and policy brief, download and share the Women Ocean Champions book, and organise viewings or watch the film Women from the Sea Significant Gestures.
We also welcome women in all ocean spaces to join the Women4Oceans (W4O) platform to continue elevating one and other by networking and exchanging information: www.women4oceans.org/directory
There is a dedicated thread in the W4O platform for the WIN-BIG network.
Women Ocean Champions
STORIES OF WOMEN SHAPING THE EU BLUE ECONOMY.
EVERY JOURNEY INTO THE BLUE ECONOMY IS DIFFERENT. EVERY STORY MATTERS.
Across Europe, women are shaping the Blue Economy in countless ways.
They lead research expeditions, build innovative companies, restore marine ecosystems, develop new technologies, and strengthen coastal communities.
Women Ocean Champions brings these stories together in one place.
This book features 100 portraits and first-person stories from women working across Europe’s Blue Economy, representing different sectors, career stages and sea basins. Each story shows a unique path into ocean work, and a different way of creating impact.
Some journeys began in research laboratories. Others started on fishing boats, in coastal towns, or through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Through portraits, short profiles and interviews, we share the real paths women have taken, the challenges they’ve faced, and the moments that changed everything. There’s no single route into the Blue Economy, and no single definition of leadership. What unites these stories is courage, curiosity and a deep connection to the ocean.
Discover the full collection of stories and meet the women shaping Europe’s ocean future.
Download the Women Ocean Champions book
STORIES OF WOMEN SHAPING THE EU BLUE ECONOMY.
EVERY JOURNEY INTO THE BLUE ECONOMY IS DIFFERENT. EVERY STORY MATTERS.
Across Europe, women are shaping the Blue Economy in countless ways.
They lead research expeditions, build innovative companies, restore marine ecosystems, develop new technologies, and strengthen coastal communities.
Women Ocean Champions brings these stories together in one place.
This book features 100 portraits and first-person stories from women working across Europe’s Blue Economy, representing different sectors, career stages and sea basins. Each story shows a unique path into ocean work, and a different way of creating impact.
Some journeys began in research laboratories. Others started on fishing boats, in coastal towns, or through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Through portraits, short profiles and interviews, we share the real paths women have taken, the challenges they’ve faced, and the moments that changed everything. There’s no single route into the Blue Economy, and no single definition of leadership. What unites these stories is courage, curiosity and a deep connection to the ocean.
Discover the full collection of stories and meet the women shaping Europe’s ocean future.
Download the Women Ocean Champions book
Women from the Sea
The voices of women connected to the ocean are not only captured in the book. They also come to life on screen.
The EU episode of the documentary Women from the Sea, "Women from the Sea - Significant gestures," premiered during the WIN-BIG Atlantic Event in Málaga in March 2026. The documentary is part of a wider international storytelling project created by director Raquel Clemente Martins (Help Images) that follows women whose lives are closely tied to the ocean. Through personal stories and powerful visuals, it explores the emotional, cultural and professional relationships women have with the sea.
From scientists and entrepreneurs to educators, artists and community leaders, the film highlights the many ways women contribute to ocean knowledge, conservation and sustainable blue economies.
The documentary shares the same spirit as Women Ocean Champions. It shows that there is no single way to build a life connected to the ocean, and that every story has the power to inspire others.
See the trailer: Women from the Sea - Significant gestures
To organise a screening, contact Raquel Clemente Martins: [email protected]
Raquel Clemente Martins continues to capture women’s voices and their relationship with the sea. Discover more of her work here: Women from the Sea - Açores (in Portuguese)
The voices of women connected to the ocean are not only captured in the book. They also come to life on screen.
The EU episode of the documentary Women from the Sea, "Women from the Sea - Significant gestures," premiered during the WIN-BIG Atlantic Event in Málaga in March 2026. The documentary is part of a wider international storytelling project created by director Raquel Clemente Martins (Help Images) that follows women whose lives are closely tied to the ocean. Through personal stories and powerful visuals, it explores the emotional, cultural and professional relationships women have with the sea.
From scientists and entrepreneurs to educators, artists and community leaders, the film highlights the many ways women contribute to ocean knowledge, conservation and sustainable blue economies.
The documentary shares the same spirit as Women Ocean Champions. It shows that there is no single way to build a life connected to the ocean, and that every story has the power to inspire others.
See the trailer: Women from the Sea - Significant gestures
To organise a screening, contact Raquel Clemente Martins: [email protected]
Raquel Clemente Martins continues to capture women’s voices and their relationship with the sea. Discover more of her work here: Women from the Sea - Açores (in Portuguese)
WIN-BIG Policy Brief
This Policy Brief highlights the baseline knowledge on gender in EU BuE and underlines key findings of the literature review. It also summarises how the WIN-BIG project is taking an important first step to narrow the knowledge gap by seeking new data and evidence, through a tailored survey, to help create a more supportive framework that can address these barriers.
Download the Policy Brief
This Policy Brief highlights the baseline knowledge on gender in EU BuE and underlines key findings of the literature review. It also summarises how the WIN-BIG project is taking an important first step to narrow the knowledge gap by seeking new data and evidence, through a tailored survey, to help create a more supportive framework that can address these barriers.
Download the Policy Brief
Women in EU Blue Economy Reports
The WIN-BIG project strives to shed light on gender inequalities in the blue economy sectors within six different Sea Basins in Europe, using data collected from a bespoke survey designed for this project. The survey results are used to identify institutional and industry factors that impact female career advancement. The research also produces estimates of the labour force in the blue economy disaggregated by sex. The project produced six reports on the current gender status in the Arctic, the Atlantic, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the North Sea Basins.
Download the reports:
Arctic Sea Basin report
Atlantic Sea Basin report
Baltic Sea Basin report
Black Sea Basin report
Mediterranean Sea Basin report
North Sea Basin report
The WIN-BIG project strives to shed light on gender inequalities in the blue economy sectors within six different Sea Basins in Europe, using data collected from a bespoke survey designed for this project. The survey results are used to identify institutional and industry factors that impact female career advancement. The research also produces estimates of the labour force in the blue economy disaggregated by sex. The project produced six reports on the current gender status in the Arctic, the Atlantic, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the North Sea Basins.
Download the reports:
Arctic Sea Basin report
Atlantic Sea Basin report
Baltic Sea Basin report
Black Sea Basin report
Mediterranean Sea Basin report
North Sea Basin report
Learning Labs
Empowering women with the skills to lead in the Blue Economy
Empowering women with the skills to lead in the Blue Economy
Whether you're starting your career, growing your business or looking to take the next step, the WIN-BIG Learning Labs are designed to help you build practical skills for today's Blue Economy. Created from interactive workshops delivered during the WIN-BIG sea basin events, these free online modules bring together expert advice, real-life examples and actionable tools you can apply straight away. From communication and negotiation to innovation, funding and career development, each Learning Lab is designed to boost your confidence, strengthen your professional skills and help you navigate opportunities across the Blue Economy. Learn at your own pace, revisit the sessions whenever you need them, and become part of a growing community of women shaping Europe's blue future.
1. BLUE ECONOMY: SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION FOR WOMEN LEADERS
Discover how innovation and sustainability are opening new opportunities for women across the Blue Economy.
Join Pierpaolo Campostrini (CORILA) to explore emerging trends, innovative technologies and inspiring examples driving the transition towards a more sustainable Blue Economy. From circular solutions to AI and digital tools, this module examines the opportunities, challenges and cultural changes needed to accelerate innovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxaYgETLfIc
DOWNLOAD THE PDF: campostrini-sustainable-innovation-pdf.pdf
Discover how innovation and sustainability are opening new opportunities for women across the Blue Economy.
Join Pierpaolo Campostrini (CORILA) to explore emerging trends, innovative technologies and inspiring examples driving the transition towards a more sustainable Blue Economy. From circular solutions to AI and digital tools, this module examines the opportunities, challenges and cultural changes needed to accelerate innovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxaYgETLfIc
DOWNLOAD THE PDF: campostrini-sustainable-innovation-pdf.pdf
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR THE BUE
Build the communication skills to pitch your ideas with confidence and engage different audiences effectively.
In this module, Clara Bartra (Ivoro Ventures) shares practical strategies to communicate with impact, whether you're presenting a project, speaking to investors or leading a team. Learn how to craft compelling messages, adapt your communication style and present your achievements with confidence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUZcdoF5Ou0
DOWNLOAD THE PDF: bartra-communication-skills-for-bue-pdf.pdf
Build the communication skills to pitch your ideas with confidence and engage different audiences effectively.
In this module, Clara Bartra (Ivoro Ventures) shares practical strategies to communicate with impact, whether you're presenting a project, speaking to investors or leading a team. Learn how to craft compelling messages, adapt your communication style and present your achievements with confidence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUZcdoF5Ou0
DOWNLOAD THE PDF: bartra-communication-skills-for-bue-pdf.pdf
3. BLUE CAREER MANAGEMENT
Take charge of your career by identifying opportunities, setting goals and planning your next steps.
Celia Murcia (Blue-Jobs) guides participants through practical tools for career planning, self-assessment and professional development. Reflect on your strengths, identify growth opportunities and develop an action plan to navigate your career in the Blue Economy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgwbZwEYIg
DOWNLOAD THE PDFS:
murcia-blue-career-management-pdf.pdf
career-canvas-png.pdf
professional-life-wheel-png.pdf
Take charge of your career by identifying opportunities, setting goals and planning your next steps.
Celia Murcia (Blue-Jobs) guides participants through practical tools for career planning, self-assessment and professional development. Reflect on your strengths, identify growth opportunities and develop an action plan to navigate your career in the Blue Economy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgwbZwEYIg
DOWNLOAD THE PDFS:
murcia-blue-career-management-pdf.pdf
career-canvas-png.pdf
professional-life-wheel-png.pdf
4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: YOUR IDEAS, YOUR POWER
Learn how to protect your ideas and turn innovation into lasting value.
Melanie Müller (BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT) introduces the essentials of intellectual property, from patents and trademarks to copyrights and trade secrets. Using practical examples from the marine sector, this module provides the knowledge and tools to safeguard your ideas and innovations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mb2r3Ck0jg
Learn how to protect your ideas and turn innovation into lasting value.
Melanie Müller (BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT) introduces the essentials of intellectual property, from patents and trademarks to copyrights and trade secrets. Using practical examples from the marine sector, this module provides the knowledge and tools to safeguard your ideas and innovations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mb2r3Ck0jg
5. THE NEGOTIATION GAME
Develop the confidence and strategies to negotiate effectively in every stage of your career.
Negotiation is about more than asking for more. Together with Helena Vieira (University of Aveiro), you'll explore how gender dynamics can influence negotiations, discover practical techniques for navigating challenging conversations and build the confidence to communicate your value with clarity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBuw2-wA5Xk
Develop the confidence and strategies to negotiate effectively in every stage of your career.
Negotiation is about more than asking for more. Together with Helena Vieira (University of Aveiro), you'll explore how gender dynamics can influence negotiations, discover practical techniques for navigating challenging conversations and build the confidence to communicate your value with clarity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBuw2-wA5Xk
6. FUNDING FUNDAMENTALS: RESEARCH
Understand the funding landscape and identify the right opportunities for your ideas.
Angela Schultz-Zehden (SUBMARINER Network) introduces research funding. You'll learn how to identify suitable funding schemes, strengthen the financial foundations of your project and tailor your proposal to the right audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_AilAbq2wU
Understand the funding landscape and identify the right opportunities for your ideas.
Angela Schultz-Zehden (SUBMARINER Network) introduces research funding. You'll learn how to identify suitable funding schemes, strengthen the financial foundations of your project and tailor your proposal to the right audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_AilAbq2wU
7. FUNDING FUNDAMENTALS: INNOVATION
Understand the funding landscape and identify the right opportunities for your ideas.
Alexander Ohrt (opencampus.sh) introduces innovation funding. You'll learn how to identify suitable funding schemes, strengthen the financial foundations of your project and tailor your proposal to the right audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leSQmh_Cb-Y
Understand the funding landscape and identify the right opportunities for your ideas.
Alexander Ohrt (opencampus.sh) introduces innovation funding. You'll learn how to identify suitable funding schemes, strengthen the financial foundations of your project and tailor your proposal to the right audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leSQmh_Cb-Y
Template Model events for Women in Blue Economy
This document contains a comprehensive template for WIN-BIG EU Sea Basin Specific Networking Events, specifically tailored to women in the Blue Economy (BuE). These events will serve as foundational frameworks for three significant WIN-BIG gatherings, in 3 pilot sea basins: Mediterranean, Baltic and Atlantic outlining the format, program structure, and content themes, as well as defining the target audience and key objectives to achieve.
This document represents a transferable template model that can be applicable to other sea basins, with adequate adaptations to local regional specificities, and has been designed to apply firstly to the selected 3 Sea Basin pilots. It represents a significant Toolkit for similar event’s organization at the regional level.
Download the document
This document contains a comprehensive template for WIN-BIG EU Sea Basin Specific Networking Events, specifically tailored to women in the Blue Economy (BuE). These events will serve as foundational frameworks for three significant WIN-BIG gatherings, in 3 pilot sea basins: Mediterranean, Baltic and Atlantic outlining the format, program structure, and content themes, as well as defining the target audience and key objectives to achieve.
This document represents a transferable template model that can be applicable to other sea basins, with adequate adaptations to local regional specificities, and has been designed to apply firstly to the selected 3 Sea Basin pilots. It represents a significant Toolkit for similar event’s organization at the regional level.
Download the document
Template Model of Learning Labs
This report documents and analyses the WIN-BIG sea-basin events as a central part of the project’s capacity-building approach for women in the Blue Economy. It explores how events in the Mediterranean, Baltic and Atlantic supported women’s skills development, visibility, networking and career progression, while identifying key lessons and recommendations for designing effective and inclusive capacity-building activities.
Download the report
This report documents and analyses the WIN-BIG sea-basin events as a central part of the project’s capacity-building approach for women in the Blue Economy. It explores how events in the Mediterranean, Baltic and Atlantic supported women’s skills development, visibility, networking and career progression, while identifying key lessons and recommendations for designing effective and inclusive capacity-building activities.
Download the report
