News in Brief:
– Women in Fisheries workshop in Bangkok, supported by the Australian government, promoted gender inclusivity in the fishing industry.
– The workshop aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through training, exchange programs, and capacity building.
The recent Women in Fisheries workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, marks a significant step forward in the global movement towards gender inclusivity in the fishing industry. Supported by the Albanese Government of Australia, this event brought together 70 participants from diverse Southeast Asian nations, creating a powerful platform for sharing experiences and establishing networks among female fisheries officers.
Gender inclusivity in fisheries why it matters
For many African audiences, the concept of gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated sectors like fisheries might seem novel, yet it holds immense potential for social and economic transformation. Gender inclusivity refers to the equal participation of all genders in various roles, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities and access to resources. In the context of fisheries, this means women are given the same chances as men to contribute to and benefit from the industry.
The Bangkok workshop underscored the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange. Women from countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam shared their journeys and strategies for overcoming barriers, such as limited access to training and discriminatory practices. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that women bring to the table, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of fisheries management.
African countries can draw valuable lessons from this initiative. Encouraging more women to participate in the fisheries sector can lead to more sustainable practices and improved food security. For instance, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a major challenge in many parts of the world including Africa, can be tackled more effectively with inclusive and diverse management teams.
For combating IUU fishing
The Australian Government’s program to combat IUU fishing in Southeast Asia involves multiple components that are relevant worldwide:
- Certified MCS training course: This course provides comprehensive training on Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS), crucial for managing fisheries and preventing illegal activities. African nations could benefit from similar training programs tailored to their specific regional challenges.
- Fisheries officer exchange program: By facilitating officer exchanges, this program promotes regional collaboration. African fisheries officers could gain insights from their Southeast Asian counterparts, fostering a global network of knowledgeable and experienced professionals.
- Targeted capacity building support: Customising support to enhance MCS capacity ensures that countries can effectively combat IUU fishing. Such targeted initiatives could be pivotal for strengthening Africa’s fisheries sector.
- Southeast Asia Regional Innovation Fund for Fishing (SEA-RIFF): Funding innovative ideas not covered by other programs encourages creativity and problem-solving. African fisheries could benefit from a similar innovation fund, supporting new approaches to sustainability and inclusivity.
