(by Patrizio Nissirio)
(ANSAmed) - SPALATO, 08 APR - Traditionally, fishing has
always been considered a male-dominated profession. However,
women play a crucial, albeit less visible, role in the sector.
From preparing fishing gear to processing and selling fish,
women are involved in every part of the fishing supply chain.
Additionally, they provide essential logistical and
administrative support to male family members who manage the
business when they are at sea. In some European countries, this
type of contribution is formally recognized, but in Croatia, it
remains undervalued and underappreciated.
To address this imbalance, WWF Mediterranean organized the first
meeting of women in fishing from various Mediterranean countries
in Split. The aim of the meeting was to create a network and
share experiences and common challenges. Women from Croatia,
Tunisia, Greece, Spain, Italy, and other countries participated,
united by their profession and vocation in fishing. On April 7
and 8, during the Women in Fisheries conference, they shared
their stories to encourage one another, gain support, and
increase the recognition of their work.
"Despite the importance of women in fishing, their voices are
still rarely heard. They are rarely consulted in decision-making
processes. This is why WWF has brought together women from all
over the Mediterranean, to connect and empower them. We believe
this experience is crucial for their future and for the
sustainability of fishing in general," said Kora Dvorski from
WWF Adria.
As part of the conference, the women visited Split's fish market
to see the photo exhibition Invisible Strength in Fisheries,
dedicated to the role of women in the sector, with images by
Ivana Vareško, a renowned documentary photographer. Her shots
capture women in fishing in their natural environment, showing
the beauty of their vocation that goes beyond mere work: it is a
true mission.
"By bringing together representatives from over seven
countries, we aim to strengthen the recognition of women's roles
in fishing and support their contribution to the sustainability
and resilience of the sector," explained Luca Eufemia,
small-scale fisheries manager at WWF Mediterranean.
"These efforts are in line with our vision: there can be no
environmental justice without gender justice. We want to
strengthen the role of women in the fishing sector for greater
sustainability and resilience," he added.
"The role of women in fishing is often overlooked and
underrepresented, and this can lead to their marginalization,"
said Alessia Bacchi, marine biologist at WWF Italy, noting that
women represent 28% of the total employment in the fishing
sector in the Mediterranean region. "If we want women's voices
to be heard, we must fight together to raise awareness about the
importance of their role in fishing."
Fisherwomen, educators, entrepreneurs, organizers: all the
participants promised to network, both in their countries and
across the Mediterranean. The challenge is great, but so are
their determination and courage. As expressed by Laura Ferrari,
a fisherwoman from Porto Cesareo in the province of Lecce: "I
have never been afraid, even during the storms." (ANSAmed).
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