Women play a pivotal role in fisheries and aquaculture, comprising nearly 50% of the workforce when processing and trading are included. Yet, systemic barriers limit their ability to fully engage in and benefit from these sectors.

WorldFish is addressing these challenges by integrating gender-transformative approaches and promoting equitable participation, we aim to empower women, enhance livelihoods, and drive sustainable development in fisheries and aquaculture.

Our Focus Areas

Building Leadership for Gender Equality

We integrate gender equality into our strategies and programs, ensuring alignment with global development goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through strategic leadership, we foster innovation and inclusivity across aquatic food systems. 

Strengthening Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborating with governments, NGOs, and local communities, we design and implement gender-equitable policies and programs. These efforts ensure equal opportunities for women and men to contribute to and benefit from aquatic food systems. 

Empowering Through Capacity Building

WorldFish equips women and men with the skills, tools, and resources needed to overcome systemic barriers. From leadership training to access to technology, we enable women to take on high-value roles within value chains. 

Advocating for Policy Change

Through active engagement in global and national forums, we advocate for gender-equitable policies that prioritize the roles and contributions of women in fisheries and aquaculture. Our work ensures inclusive governance and decision-making processes. 

Scaling Transformative Innovations

We identify and scale solutions that address unpaid labor, reduce time burdens, and empower women in leadership roles. By driving innovation, we enable women to play a central role in shaping sustainable aquatic food systems. 

Our Impact

See how our work is making a difference 

Women's Empowerment and Climate Justice: Three Fish Preservation, Handling and Processing Interventions Improving Livelihoods in Kenya’s Lake Victoria Region	Transforming Nigerian Women Participation in Coastal Aquaculture Through AABS-IMTA Intervention	Kenya: WorldFish Supports Gender-sensitive Fisheries, Aquaculture Policy for Homa Bay County
Strengthening Social Capital: Women as Catalysts for Change in Coastal Bangladesh	Women Driving Change: Blue Guards Combat Ghost Gear and Plastics	Community Volunteers' Journey of Empowering Women
Power Dynamics in Marginalized Fishing Communities Shift with Women's Empowerment	Zambia's Aquatic Enterprises Forge Vital Market and Financing Links	The Private Sector is Helping to Scale the Adoption of ‘Climate-Smart’ Aquaculture in Zambia - Boosting Women’s Role One Pond at a Time

Measuring Our Progress

By 2030, WorldFish aims to achieve:

• 3 million women benefiting from WorldFish innovations and achieving improved incomes.

• 6 million people benefiting from WorldFish innovations, improving their income through sustainable practices and technologies in aquatic food systems.

• 2 million women and other marginalized groups gaining enhanced access to resources, markets, and decision-making processes in fisheries and aquaculture.

• 1 million men, women, and youth exiting poverty via new jobs and livelihood opportunities created in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors, particularly through value chain and enterprise development .

 
WorldFish believes in a future where women and men thrive equally in sustainable aquatic food systems. By breaking barriers and empowering communities, we can build a more equitable and sustainable world.