European Union
Creating a network
Fisherwomen’s organizations in Europe met recently to consolidate their network
This information is from the AKTEA Newsletter No. 7, February 2006 (http://www.fishwomen.org/IMG/pdf/aktea_7en.pdf)
A meeting organized by the social scientist members of the thematic Network, FEMMES, was held last September at La Laguna in Tenerife in Canary Islands. Some fisherwomen’s organizations and networks (in Spain, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Finland and Italy) were invited to join the meeting and discuss the future of the initiative created by the FEMMES programme. After a discussion, which considered the results of the European electronic survey by the FEMMES programme, all participants agreed to establish a European Network of Women in Fisheries, Shellfishing and Aquaculture. The issues considered were:
The basis of the network
The agenda for women in fisheries and aquaculture in Europe, which was the outcome of the workshops of the FEMMES programme, was considered to be the common basis for organizations and individuals who may wish to become members of the European Network.
Fisherwomen’s organizations and network members are aiming to achieve
– Visibility of women’s role in fisheries
– Recognition of women’s contribution in the sector
– Participation in decisionmaking on matters that affect women’s role in fisheries
– Exchange of experiences, problems and resolutions
– An improvement in women’s self confidence
– A sustainable development of fisheries and a future for fishing communities
– Political and institutional acceptance of women’s organizations in fisheries
Who can be members of the European Network of Women in Fisheries?
– Women’s organizations and networks working to improve the conditions for women in fisheries and aquaculture and related activities
– Individual women in fisheries and aquaculture
– Individuals who support the efforts of women in fisheries and aquaculture (civil servants, researchers, education, etc.)
Fisherwomen’s organizations and networks of women in fisheries are the main members of the network, with individuals only entitled to associate membership.
Network Name
Participants expressed the desire that the new network will be a continuation of the FEMMES thematic network and were of the opinion that name of the FEMMES newsletter, AKTEA (Nereid of Greek mythology symbolizing the shore), would demonstrate this continuity. The name of the European network is: AKTEA European Network: Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Future meeting
Participants accepted an invitation to organize the meeting of the network in May 2006 in Ancona (Italy) during the International Fisheries Fair held traditionally each year in this city.
Katia Frangoudes agreed to act as a secretary of the network until the next meeting in May 2006. A working group was formed to elaborate the status of the AKTEA European Network: Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
If you wish to contact the AKTEA European Network, please email: network@fishwomen.org
