The whole sector is excited about the new UK Women in Fisheries network. It will make connections across the board, and get the whole sector communicating more, and in a different way.
UK Women in Fisheries recognises and supports women working in the UK fisheries sector, wherever that may be. All women working in the sector are welcome to join, wherever they may be. Women work as female fishermen, in fisheries associations, they are fleet managers, policy makers and charity workers. They are active at all levels within the commercial operations of retail, wholesale and export of fish and fish products. They are leading fisheries training centres, they are entrepreneurs in the fishing industry and often play crucial roles as partners of fishers, taking responsibility for administration in addition to having their own income and running the household. If you are involved in fish in any way, the network is for you.
UK Women in Fisheries network will engage and join together these women, to highlight and support each other, and provide representation and recognition.
Research carried out into the role that women play in fisheries and UK fisheries found that women are crucial to the fishing industry, community and to fishing families, and “provide a backbone to the industry” but also found that:
“Women experience issues around pay, abuse and violence, as well as prejudiced and traditional beliefs. There is a lack of adaptation to women’s bodies in the industry and few opportunities for women to start fishing.”
As a result of this body of research, a policy brief was written, and recommended the establishment of an organisation to represent women in fisheries.
Read more:
https://www.maritime-executive.com/corporate/pioneering-uk-women-in-fisheries-organization-welcomes-new-members