Empowering women in Small-Scale Fisheries
Mariental - FAO Promoting Gender Equality and Economic Empowerement in Namibia's Small-Scale Fisheries sub-sector
In an effort to address gender disparities and promote women's empowerment within the small-scale fisheries sector in Namibia, a pioneering training workshop was held under the banner "Achieving Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Small-Scale Fisheries."
The event, which took place over three days, brought together a group of 23 women, including fisherwomen, fish processors, and fish traders from across Namibia's 14 regions, who are members of the Namibia Women's Fisheries Network (NAMFISHNET), with the aim of discussing opportunities, sharing experiences, and exploring strategies for fostering gender equality in this vital industry.
NAMFISHNET, established in 2022, is Namibia's chapter of AWFISHNET, the African Women Fish Processors' and Traders' Network. AWFISHNET comprises members from African Union Member States, including Namibia.
Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), the workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of women's participation and inclusion in decision-making processes and to enhance their socio-economic opportunities within the sector.
Additionally, the workshop also sought to strengthen NAMFISHNET's organizational capacities and establish lessons learned and key issues noted for informing other Small-Scale Fisheries Organizations (SSFOs) in the future. The workshop empowered NAMFISHNET members to contribute to their network's strategy, growth, and development.
During the workshop, Alushe Hitula, FAO Fisheries Consultant, highlighted the significance of the workshop's theme. "Women play an essential role in small-scale fisheries, yet their contributions often go unnoticed or undervalued. This workshop provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building, enabling us to work together towards achieving gender equality and women's empowerment," she stated.
Participants from diverse backgrounds and roles shared their insights and experiences during the workshop, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the sector and proposing potential solutions. Two participants, Kaarin Kuumbwa and Aina Petrus, expressed their perspectives on the importance of empowering women in small-scale fisheries.
"Integrating women into small-scale fisheries in Namibia promotes socio-economic empowerment, sustainable development, and knowledge transfer. Thank you to FAO, the Ministry of fisheries and NAMFISHNET for this opportunity," said Kaarin Kuumbwa, a fisherwoman and youth from the coastal community of Walvis Bay.
Meanwhile, Aina Petrus, NAMFISHNET founder and chairperson, emphasized the economic benefits of empowering women. "As a woman small-scale fisher in Namibia, I have witnessed firsthand the economic benefits that come with empowering women. When women are given equal access to resources, training, and opportunities, we become powerful contributors to the growth and sustainability of our communities. Investing in women means investing in economic prosperity for all."
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, group exercises, and discussions that focused on identifying challenges and opportunities in their respective communities and thinking up practical ways to promote gender equality in the small-scale fisheries sector through NAMFISHNET.
The importance of building supportive networks such as NAMFISHNET, providing access to resources, markets, education, and training, and ensuring fair representation in leadership positions emerged as key areas that need to be addressed in order for women to flourish in the small-scale fisheries sub-sector.
The workshop concluded with the completion of NAMFISHNET's action plan and the finalization of their Constitution. Additionally, the women took part in an observation mission organized by MFMR, which took place at the Hardap Inland and Aquaculture Centre. During this mission, MFMR staff provided NAMFISHNET members with orientation training by demonstrating the fish production process.