The ocean economy offers vast opportunities for developing countries to foster innovative and resilient economies and accelerate trade through the adoption of socially and environmentally sound practices.
Women are key economic actors in the fisheries and seaweed cultivation value chains, and yet their contribution is often overlooked. Both sustainable aquaculture and seaweed cultivation are emerging economic sectors with the potential to double in value and volume over the next decade.
However, these sectors will have to change to adapt to the policies and measures put in place by countries to fulfill their Paris Agreement commitments. Recognizing and harnessing the untapped potential of women’s full participation in these industries can lead to a more inclusive and sustainable ocean economy.
In 2020, about 12 million women were engaged in fisheries and aquaculture on a full or part-time basis, corresponding to 21 percent of all workers. However, when considering available data for the processing sector – where most of the value for the seafood sector is added, women are found to make up over 50 percent of full-time employment and 71 percent of part-time engagement (FAO, 2022). Gender-based labour market segregation, gender wage gaps and low female representation in decision-making bodies, however, persist.
The discussion at the event will delve into the role of women in the ocean economy, recognizing their valuable contributions, and will examine existing gender gaps. It will specifically focus on women’s involvement in fisheries and seaweed cultivation, highlighting the untapped potential for women’s greater participation and empowerment in these industries, especially in value-added activities, and R&D. The event will provide a forum to foster the exchange of experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to harness women’s potential in the ocean economy.
The session will identify policy gaps and barriers hindering women’s participation in the sectors and facilitate the exchange of experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to better support women in these sectors.