Introduction
Women play a crucial role in the fisheries sector globally, especially in post-harvest activities such as processing, drying, and marketing. Despite their involvement, women often face challenges in accessing resources and services like credit, training, and infrastructure. However, various opportunities are now emerging to support and empower women in this sector. This answer explores these opportunities across different areas and explains how they can help improve women’s participation and economic status in fisheries.
1. Access to Credit and Financial Services
Microfinance and SHGs (Self-Help Groups): Many governments and NGOs promote microfinance schemes targeted at women in fisheries. These help them buy equipment, start small processing units, or invest in fish vending businesses.
Cooperative Banks: Some fisheries cooperatives provide loans to women members at lower interest rates.
2. Training and Capacity Building
Skill Development: Training in hygienic fish handling, fish preservation, packaging, and value addition increases women’s productivity and income.
Leadership and Business Training: Women are encouraged to participate in fisheries cooperatives, manage businesses, and take leadership roles in community-based organizations.
3. Access to Technology and Equipment
Women are being supported to use better tools and technologies, such as solar dryers, cold storage units, and insulated containers, which improve the quality and shelf life of fish products.
Mobile Apps: In some regions, mobile applications are used to provide information on weather, market prices, and fishing zones.
4. Market Linkages and Infrastructure
Dedicated Fish Markets: Women-specific fish markets or stalls are being created to support their vending activities.
Digital Marketing: Training in online selling platforms and digital payment systems is helping women reach broader markets.
5. Legal and Policy Support
National Fisheries Policies: In countries like India, newer policies promote gender mainstreaming and encourage women’s participation through reservations in cooperatives.
Land and Asset Ownership: Some regions are promoting joint ownership of boats or fish ponds, giving women legal control over productive assets.
6. Inclusion in Decision-Making
Participation in Cooperatives: Women are encouraged to become members or leaders of fisheries cooperatives, allowing them to influence decisions.
Community-Based Fisheries Management: Involving women in local governance bodies helps address their specific needs and strengthens sustainable practices.
Examples from the Field
- India: In Tamil Nadu, women-run Self-Help Groups process and sell dried fish, earning stable incomes.
- Philippines: Women seaweed farmers have formed cooperatives that manage harvesting, processing, and exports.
- Ghana: Fish smoking units built by NGOs are managed by women groups to improve quality and earnings.
Challenges That Remain
- Lack of awareness about available schemes
- Cultural and gender-based barriers
- Low digital literacy and mobility issues
Conclusion
There are growing opportunities for women to access resources and services in the fisheries sector. Government schemes, NGO initiatives, and technology are all contributing to their empowerment. However, more focused efforts are needed to increase awareness, build capacity, and ensure equal participation. Empowering women in fisheries not only improves their livelihoods but also contributes to food security, community development, and gender equality.