09/03/2015: A message for International Women's Day from Roy Palmer, Aquaculture without Frontiers

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller 

Very few women are directly involved in traditional fisheries activities, either due to the physical strain and the long hours away from home and family, or because of social taboos, customs, and beliefs which prohibit them from boarding fishing vessels. Women are thus limited to land-based activities, such as fish handling, processing, distribution, marketing, and net-making/mending.
 

By stark contrast, the role of women in aquaculture, particularly in small fish farms, has long been evident. Women are involved in all sectors of aquaculture and we are proud to be honoring a few them to promote Aquaculture without Frontiers International Woman’s Day on 8 March.
 

Asia produces ninety per cent of the world’s aquaculture so it is important that we especially recognise the scope and magnitude of women’s participation in aquaculture production in the region.
 

According to FAO, China, Thailand, and the Philippines boast large pools of trained and skilled women fish-farmers, technicians, extension workers and professionals who are directly or indirectly involved in various capacities in fish production through aquaculture. 

In countries in South Asia (e.g. Bangladesh and India), where ninety per cent of rural women do not have the same education opportunities and where prevailing social and cultural values limit their access to training and development assistance, women are necessarily confined to such domestic-based or auxiliary tasks as feed preparation, fish feeding, and even pond construction.

We would like to especially thank Arlene Nietes Satapornvanit and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific for sharing with us this opportunity to highlight the enormous achievements of women in aquaculture.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
Helen Keller

Visit the Aquaculture without Frontiers International Women's Day page HERE. 

View the video HERE. 

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