31 March 2026
The marine industry is uniting for a powerful global initiative. The Global Women’s Walk 2026, powered by the Soundings Trade Only Group, Metstrade, British Marine, and Marine Industry News, is a movement to celebrate, support, and elevate the powerhouse women shaping the marine industry.
From 11–18 May, 2026, to coincide with International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May), industry professionals and supporters are invited to walk 5Km (3.2 miles), wherever they are, with whomever they choose. Open to all genders, this walk promotes unity, progress, and meaningful recognition for the contributions of women driving the industry forward.
Making an Impact Beyond the Walk – Supporting at-risk girls across the globe
The Global Women’s Walk 2026 will extend its impact beyond the industry by supporting Room to Read, a global nonprofit dedicated to literacy, learning, and gender equality. Participants will have the opportunity to donate and contribute to advancing education for young girls worldwide. Learn more and donate here.
In 2026, the goal is to raise $25,000, enough to support an entire school and library.
Last year more than 1,200 women and men from five continents and 15 countries participated in the Global Women’s Walk, it was a powerful demonstration of unity and support for the women working in the marine industry. As we started planning this year, we realized that if each participant had donated $20, we would have enough funds to support a school and library for at-risk girls. That is our goal for this year.
Michele Goldsmith Vice President and General Manager at Soundings Trade Only Group and founder of the Women in the Industry programs
Share Your Walk, Inspire Others.
Participants are encouraged to share their global walk experiences on social media using #GlobalWomensWalk2026. These inspiring moments will be featured in Soundings Trade Only and Marine Industry News, as well as on the jumbo screen at the Women in the Marine Industry International Event at Metstrade on November 18, 2026.
At Metstrade, we are proud to support initiatives that not only champion diversity and inclusion within the marine industry but also create meaningful impact beyond it. The Global Women’s Walk 2026 brings our global community together in a powerful way. Together we celebrate women’s contributions, amplify their impact, and inspire the next generation. It’s an inspiring example of how our industry can unite, helping create more opportunities for girls worldwide to learn, lead, and thrive.
Tessa Meijer Exhibition Manager at MetstradeBuilding on the momentum of last year’s walk, the Global Women’s Walk 2026 is a powerful reminder of what our industry can achieve when we come together with purpose. It’s not only about celebrating the achievements of women across the marine sector, but also about creating lasting impact beyond it. By supporting initiatives that expand access to education for girls worldwide, we are investing in the future of our industry and our global community.
Lesley Robinson CEO at British Marine
Photo montage from 2025 walk events across the globe.
This initiative is about more than just taking steps, it’s about driving real change, strengthening connections, and recognizing the impact of women throughout every corner of our industry. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating, supporting, and elevating the women who continue to move the marine community forward across the globe.
Michele GoldsmithHow to Get Involved
- Register your team or yourself, starting 1 April at www.tradeonlytoday.com/global-womens-walk-2026.
- Donate to Room to Read – Every contribution makes a difference. Help us support an entire school and library! Donate here!
- Walk 5Km anytime, anywhere between 11-18 May, 2026 to celebrate the women shaping the marine industry.
- Share your walk – Use #GlobalWomensWalk2026 and inspire the movement worldwide.
For more information, to register for the walk and donate, please click here or visit www.tradeonlytoday.com/global-womens-walk-2026.
Watch the Global Walk 2026 details and a message video bleow from Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager, Metstrade and Conference Manager of the Superyacht Forum, and Michele Goldsmith or click here.