Theme: Livelihoods and Gender Dimensions in Small-Scale Fisheries in the WIO Region
Small-scale fisheries (SSF) play a pivotal role in the livelihoods of coastal communities in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, providing essential income and employment through both fishing and the broader fishery-based value chain. However, many participants in these fisheries operate informally and are underrepresented in official statistics and policymaking, despite their significant contributions to local economies.
The involvement of women in SSF is crucial, yet often overlooked. Women engage in vital activities such as seaweed farming, shellfish collection, and post-harvest roles like trading and processing. Their contributions are integral to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of coastal communities. Yet, challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, and unequal access to resources exacerbate existing gender inequalities.
In light of these pressing issues, we invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit contributions for a special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS), supported by the Norad-funded SAMAKI project. This project is a collaboration between leading Norwegian and Tanzanian institutions, including the University of Tromsø, University of Bergen, Institute of Marine Research, University of Dar es Salaam, State University of Zanzibar, and Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Institute.
This special edition will examine the intricate relationship between livelihoods and gender dimensions within SSF in the WIO region. Potential topics include:
- Gender Relations in Fishing Communities: Historical and contemporary roles of men and women in SSF.
- Gendered Responses to Environmental and Climate Events: How women and men in SSF adapt to environmental changes.
- Men’s and Women’s Work in Fisheries: Capacity building, labor dynamics, access to credit and training, and the impact of technology on women’s participation.
- Equity, Equality, and Human Rights in Fisheries: Access to resources, sea tenure, and marketing opportunities for both genders.
- Women’s Well-being in Fisheries: Addressing food security, education, occupational health, and gender-based violence in fishing communities.
- Recognition of Women’s Role in Food Security and Nutrition: Women’s skills, challenges, and contributions to affordable, safe, and nutritious aquatic foods.
- Women’s Participation in Decision-Making: The role of women in resource management and forming autonomous organizations.
- Gender-Sensitive Public Policies: The importance of recognizing women’s needs and integrating gender-transformative policies in SSF.
Submission Guidelines
- All contributions must be in English and adhere to the submission guidelines of WIOJMS.
Important Dates:
- Abstract Submission: 30 November 2024
- Full Paper Submission: 31 March 2025
- Online Publication: 31 October 2025
Please submit your abstracts and full papers to: jfwoiso@yahoo.com. Read the full Call for contributions for further details.
Photo credit: Rahim Saggaf
