The Women in Marine Science Network (WiMS) was initiated after a recommendation following the external evaluation of WIOMSA in 2016.

In March 2017, the WIOMSA Board of Trustees approved the WIOMSA Gender Policy and during WIOMSAs 10th Scientific Symposium in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, WIOMSA announced the launching of its network for Women in Marine Science. During the symposium WIOMSA also hosted the first meeting of WiMS. The network was made operational after a meeting of selected women members of the WIOMSA community in Nairobi in December 2018. 

WiMS was launched in order to address the gender equality issues facing women marine scientists in the Western Indian Ocean region. WIOMSA believes that better networking amongst these women are critical to address these issues. A network of this kind will bring them together to discuss issues of common interest and identify priority issues for action. It will also provide them with a platform where they can plan activities and speak with one voice on issues of their concern.