Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The IWD serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and a catalyst for inspiring change.
This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, resonates deeply with WorldFish vision and mission to support Africa in fulfilling its aspirations of building resilient and sustainable food systems by catalyzing knowledge sharing and enabling food, nutrition, and income security in their communities.
Speaking on the significance of the IWD to WorldFish, TAAT Fish Compact Leader at WorldFish-Nigeria, Prof. Bernadette Fregene, says, “WorldFish recognizes the pivotal role that women play in aquaculture and fisheries, contributing significantly to the resilience and sustainability of aquatic food systems.
“Through the initiatives, WorldFish aims to empower and support women in the sector, fostering their leadership, access to resources, and involvement in decision-making processes.
“By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in aquaculture, WorldFish is committed to creating inclusive and equitable opportunities that benefit not only women themselves but also contribute to thriving communities and enhanced food security.”
She notes that WorldFish recognizes the immense contributions women are making in aquaculture, a sector where their dedication and innovation are often overlooked. “From managing small-scale fish farms to leading agricultural businesses, women are a cornerstone of food security and rural development,” she enthused.
WorldFish also recognizes the challenges faced by small-scale fish farmers in developing countries and implements a variety of aquaculture extension approaches to support them.
Here are some key aspects of their approach:
Focus on small-scale aquaculture: WorldFish prioritizes assisting small-scale farmers who play a crucial role in food security and poverty alleviation.
Farmer-centered approach: They recognize the importance of understanding farmers’ needs, priorities, and existing knowledge. Their extension programs are designed to be participatory and responsive to these factors.
Promoting sustainable practices: WorldFish advocates for environmentally friendly and resource-efficient aquaculture techniques that minimize environmental impact.
Knowledge sharing and capacity building: They conduct training programs, workshops, and demonstrations to equip fish farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful fish farming.
Developing and disseminating improved aquaculture technologies: WorldFish actively researches and promotes improved technologies like GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia), a fast-growing, disease-resistant tilapia strain.
Partnerships: We collaborate with governments, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector to leverage expertise, resources, and reach a wider audience of fish farmers.
Gender inclusivity: WorldFish recognizes the critical role women play in aquaculture and strives to ensure their participation and empowerment in extension programs.
Communication and information dissemination: We utilize various communication channels like radio broadcasts, extension manuals, and social media to disseminate knowledge and better management practices.
Monitoring and evaluation: WorldFish monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of our extension programs to ensure we are achieving our goals and making a positive impact on fish farmers’ livelihoods.
“On this special occasion of the International Women’s Day, therefore, we at WorldFish celebrate progress and recognize the invaluable contribution of women in fisheries and aquaculture, shaping sustainable futures and fostering resilience.
“At WorldFish, we honor the strength, knowledge, and determination of women in transforming aquatic food systems for the good of all,” Bernadette said.
