by WCS Belize
- Seven women elected to serve as Executive of the first Women in Fisheries Association.
- Chair of the newly elected of association plans to lobby for retirement plan for fisherfolks
- The Association is expected to be officially registered within the coming months
Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District (June 17, 2024).- Close to seventy women gathered from various coastal communities in Belize at Hopkins Village for the 7th Women in Fisheries Forum (WIFF), which was held under the theme, "Leave No One Behind in Building an Enabling Environment for Our Small-Scale Artisanal Fisheries." The annual forum is designed to bring recognition to the varied roles women play in Belize’s small-scale fisheries sector and to provide a space for women to voice the challenges they face and opportunities they would like to pursue. The vision for the WIFF is to assist those involved in the management of the sector to recognize that by overlooking women’s contributions to the fisheries sector we are reducing their access to much needed resources and increasing their vulnerability by limiting their involvement in the management of their livelihood.
At last year’s WIFF, the women agreed that a national Women in Fisheries Association should be formed, aimed at fostering an inclusive sector where women are empowered and recognized as valuable contributors to the growth and development of the sector. Meetings were held with those who have participated in previous WiFFs (Women in Fisheries Forums) to discuss the requirements for forming an association, roles, and responsibilities of the members of an executive committee, and follow-up actions needed at the community level prior to WIFF 7.
Women in Fisheries Forum participants. ©WCS Belize
As such, WIFF 7 achieved the formation of an executive committee leading to the establishment of the first National Women in Fisheries Association. “It has been 8 years since the idea of a women in fisheries forum was conceived with the aim of providing a space where women involvement along the fisheries chain could be recognized and valued. In strengthening and empowering women, we give them the space to participate in fisheries management ad decision-making for their communities and at the national level. This 7th WIFF has resulted in organizing the women into a formal group with a vision of driving their own future and ensuring beneficial impacts to all persons engaged in fisheries” – Dr. Sandra Grant, Deputy Director – Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Secretariat.
The membership of the association comprises women involved in pre-harvest, harvest, post-harvest, informal day-to-day fishing activities within the family setting, and valueadded activities in the fishing sector. These women represent eleven fishing communities including, Barranco, Punta Negra, Placencia, Seine Bight, Riversdale, Hopkins, Dangriga, Belize City, Lemonal, Chunox, and Sarteneja, with a vision to grow in membership. Elected Chairwoman, Mrs. Paula Jacobs Williams (of Punta Negra), Vice-Chairwoman, Ms. Veronicaa Tun (of Dangriga), Treasurer Ms. Sherene Miranda (of Hopkins), Secretary Ms. Isela Martinez (of Riversdale), and Councilors Ms. Olga Colon (from Barranco), Ms. Karen Belgrave (of Belize City), and Kristalee Valerio (from Seine Bight). President, Paula Williams Jacobs explained that, in her new role as chairperson of the association, she plans to lobby for the establishment of a retirement plan for fisherfolks. Jacobs says the lack of insurance and pension, or retirement plans for fisherfolks has caused hardships for many after they are no longer able to fish. “Women fishers must be recognized, and young women who are entering the sector must have some hope if they are to improve and continue fishing in the future.”
Assistant Country Director - Marine at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Ralna Lamb Lewis explained, “Over the next months, the association will become registered, and members will participate in capacity-building initiatives that are designed to strengthen them in core competencies of planning, fiscal management, record keeping, conflict resolution, project-design, implementation, and management. This marks a significant advancement in fisheries management in Belize, enabling inclusivity, driving women empowerment, and removing their invisibility"
