In Vanuatu, fishing is a secondary activity. This is, however, changing with the transformation of the subsistence economy to cash economy, where fish is now beginning to be viewed as a source of cash. In coastal areas of Vanuatu, women fish near the shore: reef or mud flat gleaning, and fishing lines. The status of women in Vanuatu is often secondary to that of men, decision-making at home and in the community is often by men and their working hours far exceed those of their male counterparts, while their subsistence work is invisibilized. The author gives a detailed account on the status of women fishers, fishing practices and their role in the fisheries sector, as well as the government and non-governmental programmes and organizations that support them. She also outlines recommendations so as to accommodate the needs of women and communities in developing national fisheries plans and policies.