Page 62 - FAO Aquaculture News, May 2021 - No. 63

fisheries project in the western province of Zambia the possible pathways towards inclusive and equitable
yielded significant results to advance gender equality. He aquaculture practices.
underlined the importance of different behaviour-change
communication strategies, such as tailor-made drama Conclusion
skits, to bring together a diverse stakeholder group and Now is the time to recognize that gender equality is key to
trigger critical reflection on gender norms as part of gender achieving the SDGs and the sustainability of aquaculture
transformative interventions. Cole added that setting up a and to put human, social and gender dimensions at
robust monitoring and evaluation process to assess changes the centre of the pursuit of these goals. This requires
over time in attitudes, norms and behaviour is key. Two years dedication to rethink our approach to the sector, and a
into the project, the use of GTAs resulted in a significant commitment to shift from “ticking boxes” to working to
change in gender attitudes and women’s participation in realize the fundamental right of equality between human
income-generating activities, from processing to trading beings. While there is still a long way to go, the progress
of fish. Afrina Choudhury discussed technology transfer is encouraging, and FAO will continue the fight for gender
for women living in Bangladesh, referencing that various equality.
factors influence uptake and adoption. Appreciating the
influence of these factors, gender transformative tools can SEE ALSO
spark critical reflection and dialogue at the individual, FAO. 2021. 2021 COFI Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries and
household and community levels around the norm-related Aquaculture. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb3767en
barriers that can hinder women’s ability to use and benefit UN Women. 2016. Unpaid care and domestic work: issues and Thematic Articles
from this technology. To conclude the webinar, Audun Lem suggestions for Viet Nam. Discussion paper. Hanoi. Also available
emphasized the “strong commitment of the FAO Fisheries at: www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20office%20eseasia/
docs/publications/2017/01/unpaid-care-and-domestic-work-en.
Division to achieve gender equality, and to embed Gender pdf?la=en&vs=435
Transformative Approaches” in its technical work, as well WSI. 2020. Lets acknowledge Invisible, Ignored and
as his “personal commitment to contribute to the gender Unrecognised (IIU) women in the seafood industry. Also available
transformative agenda”. at: https://womeninseafood.org/lets-acknowledge-invisible-
ignored-and-unrecognised-iiu-women-in-the-seafood-industry/
Williams, Meryl J. 2017. Gender equal fisheries. International
Two major events in 2021 will also provide an opportunity Collective in Support of Fishworkers Newsletter. Also
to spotlight gender studies in aquaculture. The Global available at: https://igssf.icsf.net/en/yemaya/detail/EN/2270.
Conference on Aquaculture +20 will include a thematic html?detpag=mapart
session that will address social and human dimensions World Bank. 2012. World Development Report 2012: Gender
in aquaculture, including gender, youth and decent Equality and Development. Also available at:
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/4391
employment; and the Eleventh Session of the COFI Sub- FAO. 2021 Guidelines on Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA).
Committee on Aquaculture, which, for the first time, www.fao.org/in-action/gsa/en/
will have an agenda item on “Women and Aquaculture, FAO/NACA. 2021. Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium
challenges and opportunities for SDG 5”. In the same +20. www.aquaculture2020.org
vein, the forthcoming FAO Guidelines on Sustainable FAO. 2021. Webinar: Women’s Leadership in Fisheries and
Aquaculture will include a practical thematic module Aquaculture. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCJTnJB3AJg
on gender and youth, as well as case studies, to illustrate FAO. 2021. Learning from experiences in implementing gender
transformative approaches in the fisheries and aquaculture
sectors. www.fao.org/gender/projects/projects/fr/c/1392397

©FAO/S. Borghesi (photo taken before the COVID-19 pandemic)

Fish market at the Ganvié boat landing, Lake Nokoué, Benin.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWS – Nº. 63 ■ MAY 2021 61