Blue Economy: CGE vows to empower more women in coastal fishing, aquaculture.
During the 2024 Gender and The Blue Economy Conference in Lagos, commemorating World Oceans Day, the Executive Director of CGE, Uchenna Idoko, emphasized the organization’s commitment to training and empowering women.
The conference, themed “Expanding the Horizons for Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture,” aimed to integrate stakeholders and brainstorm policies that encourage greater female participation in the blue economy. Idoko highlighted the goal of empowering women to establish sustainable, multimillion-naira fishing businesses, rather than short-lived ventures vulnerable to minor challenges.
One of the challenges discussed was the limited access women have to coastal land, hindering their participation in coastal fishing and aquaculture. Ms. Mfon Archibong, Assistant Chief Fisheries Officer at the Federal Ministry of Blue Economy, stressed the need to raise awareness in coastal communities where women face restrictions on land ownership.
She expressed optimism that initiatives like CGE’s would address this issue by advocating for women’s access to coastal land for fishing activities.
Mrs. Chinasa Asonye, CEO of Chinelo Farms and President of Fish Farmers in Lagos, highlighted the support provided to women farmers by associations like hers. They procure fish feed in bulk and provide it to members at subsidized rates, encouraging more women to engage in farming activities.
Joy Onimeh, representing the Epe cluster of fish farmers, praised the Lagos State Government for its support, including the provision of large freezing facilities. She called for further support from both the state and federal governments to address challenges such as climate change and facilitate fish exports.
Overall, the conference underscored the importance of empowering women in coastal fishing and aquaculture to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable economic growth in the blue economy.
