The side event on “Advancing Gender Equality in the Maritime Transport Sector,” held during the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations to explore strategies for promoting women’s participation in the maritime sector. Organized by ESCAP’s Transport Division in collaboration with the Republic of Korea, Fiji, and the Port Authority of Thailand, the event highlighted key challenges such as underrepresentation in leadership roles, limited access to training and career advancement, and non-inclusive or unsafe working environments. This policy brief summarizes the main insights from the event, showcasing national and regional initiatives and outlining practical recommendations to advance gender equality in maritime transport. These include strengthening legal protections, expanding training and leadership opportunities, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and improving regional cooperation and data collection. The brief underscores that gender inclusion is not only a matter of equity, but also essential for building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable maritime sector in Asia and the Pacific