Back in 1951, Rachel Carson opened a window onto the profound mysteries of our blue planet in her pioneering work, The Sea Around Us. At a time when women’s voices were seldom recognised in science, she insisted that we belong not above or outside nature, but within it—an insight as powerful now as it was then. Through her curiosity and unwavering dedication, Carson laid the foundations for countless women to follow, showing that both science and storytelling hold the power to awaken a deeper ocean consciousness in us all.
Today, her legacy echoes in the remarkable achievements of women who champion ocean conservation, education, and cultural heritage worldwide. This issue of SeaVoice, Waterwomxn, gathers a rich tapestry of their stories. They are women who navigate multiple roles—scientist, caregiver, activist, seafarer, writer—and their stories illuminate a simple truth: that the ocean is an integral part of our collective identity. Through art, research, local stewardship, and personal transformation, these authors and change-makers invite us to witness the ocean’s transformative power for individuals and communities alike.
From the Shorelines to the High Seas
Several of the stories in this issue reflect how the sea both elevates and heals. Ocean photographer Abbi Hughes shares her “saltwater stories,” illustrating women who move fearlessly through the waves, from surfers and freedivers to bodyboarders and lifeboat volunteers. Their presence in salty waters is a reminder that the ocean can be a place of resilience, service, and creative inspiration.
For Natalie Fox, a surfer and ocean activist born without a womb, reclaiming her body and her sense of womanhood has gone hand-in-hand with saltwater immersion.
This healing theme unfolds further in the journeys of women from vastly different geographies. Andi Cross, in her pursuit of ocean exploration, discovered that the path to the water is seldom linear—some find it through personal curiosity, others by necessity or serendipity. Yet they all share a similar sense of wonder the water. Meanwhile, the women participating in Yoga and Sports with Refugees (YSR) on Lesvos Island are transforming fear into empowerment, as they learn to swim in the same waters that once symbolised escape and trauma. Together, they rewrite the ocean’s meaning in their lives, bearing witness to its capacity to nourish hope.
The Coral Catch Superwomen in Indonesia, as documented by SeaVoice Head of Creative Hannah Cocks, embody this transformation through their pioneering work in coral restoration, training local women to protect marine ecosystems while challenging societal norms. The work of the Superwomen highlights the intersection of female empowerment and conservation, showing that embracing complexity can drive meaningful environmental and social change.
Stewardship in Every Tide
Crucially, these stories also show that advocacy for the ocean is rooted in heritage and community.
Carmen Díaz Vargas, an artisanal fisherwoman in Chiloé, Chile, stands at the helm of her boat against cultural expectations, forging new opportunities for women in the fishing sector.
She underscores that while the sea is undeniably fierce, it is also the bedrock of her family’s survival, cultural identity, and shared aspirations. Through her leadership in “Mujeres Contracorriente,” she extends the invitation for more women to participate, demonstrating that economic independence, resource management, and local knowledge are deeply interlinked.
This sense of belonging is echoed in the Rewriting Women into Maritime History initiative, written by Sarah Mott, which uncovers and celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of women in maritime industries. Through archival research and the SHE_SEES exhibition, this project challenges male-dominated narratives and ensures that the history of women at sea is recognized and shared.
A similar sense of place resonates in the story of Jacqueline Winters, an Inuk researcher from Nunatsiavut, Labrador. She describes a people shaped by ice, whose lives depend on a fragile balance.
Through her collaboration with scientists and her own community’s traditional knowledge, Jacqueline reminds us that there is no clear boundary between science and culture, or between data and storytelling.
In lab work or in seal-skin cleaning workshops, her voice reinforces a truth first articulated by Rachel Carson: the best stewardship flows from love and understanding.
For the women of the RahVeshi Programme in the Maldives, as documented by Jasmine Corbett, this connection to the ocean is deeply personal. Many have faced cultural and societal barriers to accessing the sea, yet through swimming and snorkelling education, they reclaim their place in the water. By overcoming these restrictions, they not only gain confidence but also become advocates for marine conservation.
Towards an Inclusive Ocean Community
Despite progress, recent studies—including those highlighting persistent gender gaps in ocean science—show that women remain underrepresented in many areas of marine research, policymaking, and leadership. The dedicated women in these pages are challenging that status quo. By creating networks of support, speaking openly of their struggles, and inviting young people to see the ocean through their eyes, they ensure that the next generation of waterwomxn will meet fewer barriers and more opportunities.
The tale of Fenja and Menja, retold powerfully by Morvern Graham, reminds us of the strength of resistance and storytelling. Enslaved by a greedy king to turn an enchanted grindstone, they summon the Sea Mither, who unleashes a storm that drowns their captor and continues to churn salt into the sea. Their story, like those of the women in this issue, speaks to defying oppression and harnessing the forces of nature to reclaim power.
The stories gathered here prove that just as the ocean’s waves know no national borders, resilience and innovation in marine conservation cannot be limited by identity or background.
We must elevate every voice and perspective—Indigenous women, those who have faced forced displacement, those who break cultural conventions, and those who find healing and joy through the sea. These values are represented in Palau, where high school students engage in environmental research rooted in traditional knowledge, guided by the Ebiil Society. As described by Chamonix Toledo, this initiative bridges Indigenous wisdom with scientific research, empowering youth as stewards of their islands.
Or, on Rapa Nui, where declining tuna stocks have led to the creation of a marine protected area, as narrated by Uri Avaka. This initiative safeguards local waters while allowing artisanal fishing to continue. By protecting their ocean, the Rapa Nui people ensure their cultural traditions and marine resources remain for future generations.
It is through these forms of collective resilience that we may safeguard our ocean for the waterwomxn of tomorrow.
Francesca Santoro
Senior Programme Officer at IOC-UNESCO
Coordinator of the Ocean Literacy Programme
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