This dossier presents the report of the concluding workshop of the first phase of the Women in Fisheries programme of ICSF held in Rufisque, Senegal, in June1996. This workshop analyzed globally, the impact of the fisheries crises on gender relations in coastal communities, and the need for a feminist perspective for the evolution of sustainable fisheries policies. Women are central to the resilience, viability and sustainability of artisanal fishing communities. However, they continue to be largely marginalized from decision-making positions within fishworker organizations. The issues that they face as workers and as members of communities and societies are rarely addressed. The dossier has three sections. The first section includes presentations on national issues confronting fisherwomen and their organizing in twelve countries namely France, Spain, Ghana, Norway, Fiji, Brazil, Canada, Thailand, Philippines, India and Senegal. The second part of the workshop focuses on specific issues affecting women: global fisheries development, globalization and gender relations, strategies for struggle and patriarchy and development. The last part focuses on directions for the future. This dossier aims to create wider debate on this issue.