Hundreds of women from the fisherfolk community from across Sindh’s coastal areas gathered in Karachi on Sunday for the country’s first-ever ‘Fisherwomen’s Assembly’. The event was organized by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and is a significant milestone in the country’s advocacy for the issues faced by the women of the community.
The conference called for immediate government action on a host of issues affecting the livelihoods of the fisherfolk community and especially women.
The assembly highlighted the critical and often overlooked role of fisherwomen, who work tirelessly alongside the men to support their families and local economies. However despite their contributions, they are extremely vulnerable and face mounting challenges ranging from climate change to man-made disasters, with little official recognition or support.
Demands: One of the foremost demands made by the fisherwomen was for the immediate release of the Pakistani fishermen who are detained in India’s prisons, and for the government to put an end to water diversions from the Indus River – which is crucial to the livelihoods of not just the fisherfolk but millions of people in Sindh.
According to the Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairman, Iqbal Ahmed Detho, at present 181 Pakistani fishermen are imprisoned in Indian jails, with no consular access granted to 23 of them. “We demand that the Indian government release all the detained fishermen immediately,” Detho said, calling for urgent diplomatic intervention.
The assembly also drew attention to the growing environmental threats facing the fishing community. At the event, various stalls displayed the rich cultural heritage of the fishing communities of Sindh, including local food, traditional embroidery, and lifestyle artifacts. Performances by local youth, showcasing the struggles their families face, added a powerful emotional dimension to the gathering.
The assembly also featured calls for the establishment of a social safety net for the fishing community, similar to the support extended to Sindh’s farmers. Speakers urged the provincial government to issue a “Mahigeer Card” for fishermen’s families, granting them access to essential services like education and healthcare.
The Fisherwomen’s Assembly was a pivotal moment for the fisherfolk community in Pakistan, particularly for the women who have long been the backbone of the country’s fishing industry. As they continue to face the dual challenges of environmental destruction and social exclusion, the call for recognition, justice, and government action has never been more urgent.