The half-day consultation on gender-based violence in fisheries concluded yesterday afternoon with fruitful discussions. Representatives from various GBV networks, national fisheries and women's affairs agencies, regional organisations, environmental and civil society organizations, and the fishing industry participated.

The consultation was comprehensive, focusing on identifying needs and gaps to understand the relevance of GBV in the fisheries sector, from large-scale commercial operations to small-scale community levels. It aimed to recognize gender inequalities in the sector that can result in GBV risks and triggers.

In a follow-up from SPC’s 16 days of activism campaign last year which had a focus on GBV in fisheries and as a way forward to sharing global findings from a PEUMP supported GBV in fisheries research paper the consultations created a first opportunity to consult with key stakeholders and hear from them!

The session was fully funded by the Pacific-European Marine Partnership Programme (PEUMP) in collaboration with the Human Rights and Social Development Division (HRSD) within SPC.

During the opening, PEUMP Programme Coordinator, Mr. Martin Chong, emphasized the limited information available on the connection between GBV and fisheries. He noted the significant role of the fisheries sector for Pacific people's lives highlighting the contributions of women fishers and fish workers to provide food, support livelihoods and economies, for example the female intense fish processing workforce.

Mr. Chong highlighted increased socio-economic pressure on Pacific women involved in fisheries, which affects power dynamics, financial decisions, and childcare responsibilities, potentially exacerbating GBV root causes.

Advocates now have the responsibility to invest in a prosperous, peaceful, equitable, and sustainable fisheries sector. Understanding GBV issues related to or enabled by the sector is crucial for addressing them effectively.