Farah Obaidullah
Founder & Director, The Ocean and Us
Farah Obaidullah

"In today’s turbulent times it is more important than ever to ensure that women’s voices are heard. We must play an equal part in shaping tomorrow’s world. This cannot be more true for the future of our ocean, the health of which is critical to our own. The ocean covers 70% of the planet and is faced with an onslaught of threats from climate change, overfishing and pollution to the looming threat of deep-sea mining. Moreover, the High Seas which make up half our planet and belong to no single nation are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. It is beyond time for a collective approach to our shared heritage".

I support the IGC Panel Parity Pledge.

I support the IGC gender-based violence pledge.

Personal Commitments

I continue to speak, at events both online and in-person, to the many reasons why it is necessary to enhance women’s participation in ocean decision making. In 2023 I published a book, The Ocean and Us, which explores all the ways our lives interact with the ocean. It provides actions we can all take to improve ocean health. The Ocean and Us is a first of its kind book. It includes 32 easy to follow chapters each written by a woman ocean expert. I commit to amplifying the voices of women in ocean decision-making by speaking at events, both online and in person, on the importance of their participation. Additionally, I will use my book, The Ocean and Us, to inspire action for a healthier ocean.
In 2016 I established the Women4Oceans platform. A platform that connects and amplifies the work that women do around the world to restore ocean health. From ocean law and governance to science, conservation and advocacy, this platform of women ocean experts accelerates ocean solutions by 1. connecting women across regions and / or themes, 2. dispelling the notion that there are not enough women experts to fill panels, provide key-notes or be included in projects, and 3. amplifying women led initiatives. I commit to continuing my work to elevate women in the ocean space, ensuring that more women working to restore ocean health are connected, recognized, and empowered.