Empowering Women and Youth in the Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector is witnessing a growing movement to include women and youth in shaping policies that influence their roles within the blue economy. This push for inclusion was highlighted during a meeting held in Kisumu county, part of the Inclusive Market Access Programme. This regional initiative, funded by the MasterCard Foundation and implemented by TradeMark Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and other partners, aims to empower women and youth through improved market access.
The programme is being carried out by Kilimo Trust Kenya, Lattice Aquaculture, and Microsoft Consulting. It focuses on actors in the fisheries subsector across several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. The initiative’s main goal is to break down barriers that limit participation in the blue economy.
Anthony Mugambi, the country team leader at Kilimo Trust Kenya, pointed out that the fisheries sector remains highly gendered, with men controlling most productive resources such as boats and equipment. “Women are mostly confined to trading smaller fish species like omena while men dominate large-scale fishing,” he said. He also noted that lack of access to finance prevents women from owning cages or investing in aquaculture.
Mugambi further explained that socio-cultural barriers continue to hinder women’s involvement in cross-border trade. He cited cases where women are discouraged by their spouses from traveling for business. These restrictions expose them to economic vulnerability and exploitation, including the notorious “sex for fish” practice.
He emphasized that empowering women and youth to sit at the policy-making table is key to addressing these systemic challenges. “By being part of policy processes, they can ensure their issues are considered and addressed effectively,” he said. Mugambi added that strengthening collaboration between counties, national governments, and regional bodies is essential for creating a more inclusive and profitable fisheries sector.
Susan Njeri, the president of the Association of Women in Fisheries Blue Economy Kenya, echoed the need to raise women’s voices in fisheries governance. She noted that despite women forming the majority of small-scale fish traders and processors, their contributions remain undocumented and undervalued. “For a long time, women have been invisible in data and decision-making,” she said. “This initiative provides us with an opportunity to raise our profile, formalise our businesses, and harmonise trade policies to make cross-border trade easier.”
Through WYEEFIMA, a continental network of women in fisheries and marine activities operating in six countries and two island states, the organization is helping women transition from traditional trading to value addition. “We are moving beyond selling whole or sun-dried fish. Now we are producing fish sausages, fish balls, fish powder, and soup, while also targeting niche markets,” she explained.
Njeri added that formalising businesses through proper registration, branding, and packaging is helping women access new opportunities, including government and export markets. Despite these gains, financial inclusion remains a major challenge. Many women rely solely on mobile money transactions that are not recognized by banks as proof of business activity.
“With the support of Microsoft Consulting, we are training women on financial literacy, record keeping, and becoming investor-ready,” she said. Njeri also highlighted efforts to promote food safety and traceability in fish handling, ensuring products meet local and international standards.
“We are working closely with TradeMark Africa and AfCFTA to align our practices with sanitary and phytosanitary standards so that our fish products can access broader markets,” she said. The dialogue brought together representatives from women and youth groups, policymakers, security officials, and regulators drawn from counties including Busia, Kisumu, and Turkana.
Njeri emphasized the importance of mentorship and peer support among women. “When I rise, I must raise another,” she said, adding that the initiative aims to create over 242,000 jobs across the region. “If they don’t give us a seat at the table, I will carry my own seat and make sure women are part of the conversation. This is for us, leaving no woman behind.”
David Nyamwaya from the State Department Blue Economy and Fisheries Turkana region said the programme promotes social inclusion by ensuring women and youth play active roles along the entire fish value chain from production to trade.