Introduction
The fisheries sector provides food, employment, and income to millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing nations. Women play an integral role in fisheries, often in pre- and post-harvest activities such as fish drying, marketing, and processing. However, their contributions remain undervalued and underrecognized in many countries. This answer explores the status of women in the fisheries sector across different regions, focusing on their roles, challenges, and opportunities.
Roles of Women in Fisheries
Globally, women contribute to various segments of the fisheries value chain, including:
- Fish cleaning, drying, and salting
- Processing and packaging
- Marketing and vending in local markets
- Net-making and repair
- Management of household aquaculture units
In some regions, women also engage in inland fishing, seaweed harvesting, and shellfish collection.
Status of Women in Different Countries
India
In India, women are involved in both marine and inland fisheries. They dominate the post-harvest sector, particularly in drying, selling, and processing. However, they are rarely recognized in official data and face limited access to cold storage, credit, and markets. Many women are part of self-help groups but still lack ownership of assets.
Bangladesh
Bangladeshi women participate actively in shrimp farming and small-scale aquaculture. Cultural restrictions often confine them to less visible roles. Despite this, donor-funded projects have helped increase their access to training and technology.
Philippines
In the Philippines, women are more visible in community-based fisheries. They take part in seaweed farming and play a major role in family-run fish farms. Gender-inclusive policies and support from NGOs have helped improve their access to resources.
Ghana
Ghanaian women dominate fish processing and trade in coastal areas. They often finance fishing trips by providing loans to male fishermen in exchange for part of the catch. Despite their economic role, women struggle with poor working conditions and lack of access to modern technology.
Indonesia
Women in Indonesia are engaged in both capture fisheries and aquaculture. While their work in small-scale processing units is vital, they lack representation in cooperatives and decision-making bodies. National policies are slowly starting to recognize their contributions.
Common Challenges Faced by Women
- Limited access to boats, fishing gear, and capital
- Lack of ownership and decision-making power
- Gender bias in training and extension services
- Low wages and job insecurity
- Invisibility in data and policy planning
Policy Responses and Good Practices
- India: Initiatives like the National Fisheries Policy have started focusing on women’s empowerment.
- Bangladesh: NGOs provide microcredit and support to women fish vendors.
- Philippines: Gender training and inclusion in local fisheries management have improved women’s roles.
- Ghana: Projects support hygienic fish processing units for women traders.
Conclusion
Across the globe, women in the fisheries sector play vital yet often invisible roles. Recognizing their work, providing access to assets, ensuring fair wages, and including them in decision-making processes are crucial steps toward achieving gender equality and improving livelihoods in the fisheries sector. Governments, NGOs, and international bodies must work together to empower women and make their contributions more visible and valued.