Strengthening gender equity in fisheries and aquaculture

Around the world, many countries are striving for a blue economy, which the World Bank defines as an ocean-based economy that creates jobs and improves livelihoods while preserving the oceans. Blue foods, or foods sourced from fisheries and aquaculture, are essential to that vision and contribute hundreds of millions of jobs globally. Women are overlooked members of this coastal workforce. According to recent research, nearly 45 million women participate in small-scale fisheries yet are systematically underrepresented in data, policies, and governance structures. They also face limited access to resources and formal benefits. The governments of Madagascar and Indonesia have both recognized the need to address systemic, gendered barriers within the blue food sector. Xavier Basurto, professor of environmental social sciences in the Doerr School of Sustainability, will lead a team to analyze blue economy frameworks, policies, and documents from both countries. The researchers will also collect qualitative data, facilitate dialogues, and host participatory planning sessions with women working in the blue food sector to build a holistic understanding of women’s experiences – in their own words – and inform equitable pathways forward.

Above: A woman holds a bucket of sea cucumbers harvested in the Philippines. Image credit: FAO / David Hogsholt