“One in every two seafood workers is a woman, yet women are over-represented in lowest paid and lowest valued positions, and very few at leadership positions… Women are essential contributors to this important food industry, but they remain invisible, including to policy makers. There is a need to increase awareness about their role in this industry and to recognize the value they bring.”

To this end, the International Association for Women in the Seafood Industry has launched an annual video contest to highlight the stories of women in the Seafood industry and the challenges they face in this industry.

The contest also aims to cast light on positive initiatives such as the ‘’ Asociación de Mulleres do Mar de Arousa’’ (The Women of the Sea of Arousa Associaion) whish was funded in Galicia (Spain) in 2016 to defend the interests of women linked to fish industry, empower them and increase their visibility. The video documenting the work of this association won the 1st award of the 2019 contest.

The winning video of the 2018 contest was also from Spain. Produced by FUNDAMAR and directed by Henry Robusto, the video explains the disproportionate impact of the decline of the fish industry on women. By simply talking about her life, work and understating of the situation of the fish industry in Spain, the protagonist of the video conveys clear yet touching messages on women’s realities in this sector.  

In the link below, you can check dozens of inspiring videos showcasing the valuable contributions of women in the blue economy worldwide!