Experts said that the small-scale fisheries sector plays an important role in the economy of countries like Bangladesh, India and Thailand. Despite the active participation of women in various activities including fish harvesting, processing and marketing processes, they are neglected in resources or services.
The women have only limited power in the decision-making process, and lack of economic empowerment and their contribution to ownership over resources are still underestimated. To achieve sustainability in marine ecology and small-scale fisheries, gender equality is the most important thing to be ensured.
In a virtual discussion held on Monday, the experts from different countries have made the remarks.
The COAST Foundation organized the event sponsored by Swed-Bio aiming to focus on gender disparities within small-scale fisheries, highlighting the importance of gender equality, social inclusivity and sustainable development. COAST Foundations Sanat Kumar Bhowmik moderated the event.
Among other participants, Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk of SDF of Thailand; Varunton Kwawtankam of SDF of Thailand; Prof Dr Abdul Wahab of Center for Blue Resource Development of Bangladesh; Sheikh Asad of Udayan Bangladesh; Gandhi Mathi Algar of Law-Trust in India; Harman Kumara of NAFSO of Sri Lanka; Susan Kaira of Indonesia were presented as panel speakers.
Supaporn Phanria of Southern Folk Fisheries Womens Association, Thailand and Khairayah Rahmaniya, Youth Representative of Chanarkothin Network, Thailand and other fishers groups from India and Bangladesh shared the real-time challenges and tangible solutions in these regards, a press release said.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, COAST Foundation, in his welcome speech, emphasized the challenges faced by small fishermen, including rule violations by large trawlers, technological disparities and societal attitudes towards fisherwomen. To face major challenges like climate change, it is needed for regional cooperation and concrete action plans.
Dr Abdul Wahab highlighted the technological gender gap and social issues like child marriage in fishing villages, emphasizing the importance of skill development, alternative income generation and a common national-level platform.
Khairayah Rahmaniya and Supaporn Fanria from Thailand emphasized on addressing environmental threats, declining income and the importance of enhancing womens skills in the face of crises.
Harman Kumara said to focus on giving attention to womens contributions in small-scale fisheries and urged increased networking, advocacy with governments and ensuring youth involvement. Susan Kira stressed the need for gender-inclusive policies in the fisheries sector, challenging existing guidelines that predominantly favor men.
