Many coastal households depend on fishing and fish processing. Women; often as “fish mummies” or fish processors, play a critical economic role but face precarious working conditions, limited social protection and low access to finance.
FoN’s approach & activities
FoN promotes inclusive, dignified coastal economies through:
- Advocacy for decent work, gender equity, and social protection aligned to ILO C.188 and national labor frameworks.
- Climate-smart interventions in fisheries and aquaculture to increase productivity and food security while reducing environmental risks.
- Financial inclusion through VSLAs: nearly 100 VSLAs established to provide women and youth with access to savings, loans and business development support.
- Integrated economic empowerment linking skills training, market access, and value-chain strengthening for women fish processors, boat crews, and coastal youth.
Key achievements & indicators
- Number of VSLAs formed, members reached (women/youth), and average value of loans disbursed.
- Number of people accessing social protection schemes or labor-rights training.
- Improvements in household income diversification and food security indicators.
Partnerships
We partner with microfinance institutions, local government, vocational trainers, and gender-rights organizations to build resilient livelihoods and support policy uptake for decent coastal work.
Call to action
Sponsor a VSLA, fund vocational training scholarships for women and youth, or help pilot insurance/social protection schemes tailored to fishers.