By Laudia Sawer
Tema, March 08, GNA – The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has celebrated and honoured the invaluable contributions of women in small-scale fisheries in Ghana and across the world on International Women’s Day celebration.
CaFGOAG indicated said it was celebrating the essential roles women played in the fisheries sector, as fishers, processors, traders, and community leaders, which often went unrecognised.
Nana Kweigyah, the National President of CaFGOAG, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on International Women’s Day that “In artisanal fisheries, women are the backbone of the industry, securing financing for fishing gear and expeditions while ensuring food security for millions.”
He said despite their critical contributions, women in fisheries continue to face significant challenges, including limited access to resources, low recognition, and vulnerability to climate change and economic hardship.
He said this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” inspires inclusion and serves as a call to action for fisheries stakeholders to break barriers, create equal opportunities, and empower women in fisheries.
He added that achieving this required policies and initiatives that recognised women’s labour, enhance their efficiency, improve market access, and strengthen their leadership.
“Investing in women in fisheries is not only a matter of fairness and justice; it is essential for strengthening local economies, securing sustainable food systems, and building resilient fishing communities,” he noted.
CaFGOAG called on the government of Ghana, the private sector, and local communities to actively support and uplift women in fisheries by facilitating the mobilisation and organisation of women in the sector.
He also called for the expansion of access to training, financing, and technology; recognising and formalising women’s contributions in fisheries policies; ensuring safe and fair working conditions; and promoting women’s leadership and decision-making roles in fisheries governance.
He reaffirmed CaFGOAG’s commitment to gender equity and equality in fisheries and urged all stakeholders to celebrate, empower, and advocate the rights of women who sustain the oceans, fisheries, and markets.
GNA
LS/GRB