Seeing invisible women: identifying leverage points and human rights pathways towards gender equity in fisheries

Objective

"#Fish4Her aims to address the critical invisibility of women in small-scale fisheries (SSF), focusing on their role in post-harvest activities, which often goes unrecognized in policy and decision-making. Women, particularly in West Africa, face significant human rights violations, including economic and social vulnerabilities, forced displacement, and lack of access to resources. These challenges are exacerbated by the rapid expansion of the ocean economy. #Fish4Her seeks to assess how empowerment processes can leverage gender equality and improve human rights in benefit of female fish processors and their communities. The project’s interdisciplinary framework combines insights from socio-ecological systems, environmental governance, and gender theory. It employs a mix-methods, participatory approach, involving local women and stakeholders in three coastal communities impacted by ocean economy developments. The research is structured around three key objectives: (1) Innovate a conceptual framework for empowerment; (2) Validate the framework through on-the-ground implementation; and (3) Accelerate the empowerment process by creating safe spaces for women to discuss their rights and strategies for change. A fourth objective focuses on disseminating findings to local communities, policymakers, and global stakeholders - Mainstream gender equality into ocean equity and blue justice discussions. By advancing gender equality in SSF, #Fish4Her aims to contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development and social justice."