A tribute to female pioneers in ocean science

Oceánicas: pioneers of oceanography, a travelling exhibition that showcases the groundbreaking contributions of 20 remarkable women in ocean science, many of whom have been overlooked in history, will be on show in the Seloma Julius Foyer at the Lüderitz Old Power Station (LOPS). 

The exhibition, made possible through a joint collaboration by the Spanish Embassy and the Namibia Maritime Museum under the auspices of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company, will officially open on 17 February at 15:00.

Javier Pagalday, the ambassador of Spain to Namibia, will provide an overview of the exhibition which traces the achievements of women from the 18th century to the present, beginning with Jeanne Baret, the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world during the Age of Exploration, through to contemporary oceanographers leading conservation efforts today. 

The exhibition consists of 15 panels, set up in chronological order, that feature engaging narratives and illustrations.

Eino Ngesheya, the curator of the Namibia Maritime Museum, invited residents and art fans alike to come and experience the exhibition and be inspired. “Oceánicas is an initiative of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO, CSIC), launched in 2018 to highlight the role of women in marine sciences and inspire younger generations. It was born out of efforts to promote gender equality in science in line with the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science,” he explained. 

Ngesheya added, “Through exhibitions, educational materials, and public engagement activities, Oceánicas celebrates historical figures such as Marie Tharp, who mapped the Atlantic Ocean floor despite being banned from research vessels, and Ángeles Alvariño, the first woman to sail on a British research ship, who discovered 22 new marine species. The project also serves as a platform for today’s female oceanographers to share their work and mentor young scientists.”  

Ngesheya fruther emphasised that climate change, overfishing and pollution threaten to transform the oceans forever. “The challenges are enormous, and to meet them we need to count on all the talent available. Therefore, equal access of women and men to marine science, including positions of responsibility, is more necessary than ever. We hope these twenty stories, which are only a few examples of the many illustrious female scientists of the past and present, will provide a source of inspiration for anyone dreaming to engage in marine research,” he said.  

After the official opening of the exhibition, Prof. Mike Bruton will present a lecture titled "Celebrating Oceanic Diversity and the key role of Women in these endeavours” with Captain Nelago Kwedhi as guest speaker in the Lüderitz Waterfront Auditorium.

Bruton is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Cape Town and an internationally recognised expert in marine biology, ocean conservation and science communication. He holds a PhD from Rhodes University and has had a distinguished career in ichthyology, aquatic ecology and informal science education, as well as in the history of science and technology. 

“He is the founding director of landmark institutions such as the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Cape Town Science Centre and has contributed to the design and development of museums and science centres worldwide. His work has been recognised with numerous international awards, including the Ordre des Palmes Académiques (France) and the Marloth Medal of the Royal Society of South Africa,” said Ngesheya.

Captain Kwedhi was the first Namibian woman to qualify as a fishing ship captain and, in doing so, demolished barriers in a traditionally male-dominated maritime and fishing industry.

“Born in Ondangwa in northern Namibia, she pursued maritime training at the Namibia Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) in Walvis Bay and went on to build a long career in the fishing sector with NovaNam. She rose through the ranks from deck officer training to senior responsibility at sea, and her story became the thread of the documentary “The City Born from the Sea” (set between the Namib Desert and Lüderitz), highlighting leadership, professional excellence and women’s empowerment in the blue economy,” Ngesheya concluded.