By Ebunoluwa Sessou

As part of efforts to support women in fisheries industry, the members of the National Working Group on Gender and the Blue Economy (GBEE-WOG), hosted by the Centre for Gender Economics in Africa, CGE Africa paid an advocacy visit to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The purpose of the visit was to engage in discussions with the department regarding further collaboration on supporting women in coastal fishing and establishing a long-term relationship between the Gender and Blue Economy Working Group and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The delegation, consisting of six members, received a warm welcome from the Director of Fisheries at the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr. Omoragbon Wellington, and his team, including the Chief Fisheries Officer and Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer.

Representing CGE Africa, Regina Solomon disclosed that CGE Africa has been implementing a project titled “Women Empowerment in Coastal Fisheries: Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Adaptations through Films and Dialogues,” which led to the formation of GBEE-WOG.

According to her, the project was designed to work with women in coastal fisheries in three Lagos communities including Epe, Ikorodu, and Badagry. Adding that the project which enters its second phase is to support, enhance collaboration, and ensure the full inclusion of women in the sector.

Meanwhile, a member of the working group and the Executive Secretary at HEDA Resource, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu also said that the project is poised at developing gender equality policies within the blue economy, addressing unique challenges and opportunities for women in marine industries, providing gender-responsive training for staff and stakeholders, and assisting with research and data collection.

He emphasized that although women are present in this sector, their involvement is not adequately compensated, and there is much-untapped potential that women can contribute. Hence, the working group sought a comprehensive engagement with the department to identify and overcome barriers to women’s full participation, ultimately benefiting the nation’s economy.

Commending the efforts of the group, the director of fisheries at the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr. Omoragbon Wellington mentioned that the department has programs tailored for women and youths and appreciated the group’s efforts to include women, suggesting that youths also be included deliberately.

He informed the delegation that the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, now under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is receiving the required attention. He assured the working group of the department’s willingness to collaborate to achieve their vision, as the government cannot do it alone. He advised the group to engage state and local governments, critical players in implementing policies and regulations.

Wellington also noted that the department is looking into improving the processing, preservation, and transportation of fish products, which more women are involved in. They are partnering with other government bodies to develop simple technological equipment, such as a solar-powered fish preservation and transportation prototype.

According to him, “The department is open to collaboration and welcomes suggestions regarding capacity building. The Director invited the working group for a proposed National Council of Marine and Blue Economy meeting in November, where stakeholders will engage as the ministry formulates the Marine and Blue Economy Strategy”, he said.

Also, National Secretary of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organization (SWOFON),

Mrs. Chinasa Asonye, lamented the challenges faced by women in coastal fishing, including saltwater intrusion, theft, and destruction of cages by speedboats, and significant losses due to sand dredging in Epe.

However, the Chief Fisheries Officer, Hafsat Abdullahi, encouraged the group to push policy suggestions, as the Sea Fishing Act is still being developed and welcomes stakeholder input.