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Sustainable Fisheries

Women in Fisheries

Penjual ikan pasar Anyar
Fish Market Women fish seller at Pasar Anyar. © YKAN

Women in small-scale fisheries play a crucial role in safeguarding the sustainability of fish resources and the well-being of fishers.

YKAN teamed up with fishers, their wives, traders, and processors in West Sumatra, Bali, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara to better understand women’s roles in the small-scale fisheries sector.

Hasil tangkap Ikan Tuna Sirip Kuning
Nelayan wanita sedang memilah Tuna Sirip Kuning
Women in Fisheries Women do more than simply help: they lead and sustain small-scale fisheries. © YKAN

More than 450 respondents indicated that women's involvement primarily centers on the pre- and post-fishing phases, encompassing operational support, sales assistance, processing, and financial management. Cultural norms, socio-economic conditions, and geographical location influence their engagement in the fisheries sector.

The active role of women in the four study areas is further evident through various women-led organizations and groups focused on fish processing, smoking, and drying.

Women's Role in Fisheries Women play a vital role in fisheries, making major contributions to management, marketing, and processing, yet their work is often overlooked.

Women are agents of change, guiding the implementation and impact of fisheries policies.

These organizations provide a platform for women to enhance their skills in processing fish catches and managing household finances, increase their income, and voice their aspirations for community and family well-being.

As an initial step, YKAN developed a training module that focused on raising awareness of gender issues and women’s roles. Training sessions were held from April 28 to May 9, 2023, in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), South Sulawesi, and West Sumatra, with a total of 118 participants.