Women in the Global Fisheries Industry Facing Safety Challenges
Women in the fisheries industry, specifically in post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture, are often overlooked and undervalued despite making up half of the workforce. A study led by the University of East Anglia found that women’s contributions are essential yet they are frequently unpaid or underpaid.
The fishing industry is crucial for providing livelihoods and nutrition to millions of people worldwide. However, there is a significant amount of waste in fisheries and aquaculture. As technology advances to address issues such as climate change and economic pressures, women are being left behind in terms of access to resources and decision-making power.
In both traditional and modern processing technologies, women face challenges in accessing resources and achieving equitable outcomes. They are often relegated to low-status, temporary jobs with limited opportunities for advancement. This disparity is further amplified in large-scale factory settings where women and migrant workers experience gender pay gaps and lack access to worker rights.
The study suggests that more research is needed to understand how different technologies impact various groups, including women, men, young, elderly, migrants, and non-migrants. It also recommends giving a voice to women and migrant workers in policymaking decisions related to post-harvest processes.
Overall, there is a need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to technology development in the fisheries industry to ensure that women have equal access to resources and opportunities for advancement. This will not only benefit women but also contribute to the sustainability of the industry as a whole.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.