women and fisheries - a case study on barbadian fisherwomen
TRANSCRIPT
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Women and Fisheries, a Case Study on Barbadian Fisherwomen: Writing
Women in Fisheries Law and Policy (Towards Gender Mainstreaming)
by
Najla King1
Specialist and Consultant in International Maritime Law and Policy (IMO IMLI trained)
©Najla King. 4 August, 2016.
Abstract
This paper was written as part of an independent study, and focuses on women fishers in
Barbados. The international legal framework is outlined to give a broad overview of the fisheries
regulatory regime. Key findings on women in fisheries is discussed, followed by
recommendations for promoting gender equality in fisheries laws and policies. Finally, a general
conclusion is made regarding findings on Barbadian fisherwomen. An appendix featuring some
of the women who participated in the study is attached.
I. Overview of Women in Fisheries in Barbados
The fisheries sector is integral to Barbados’ economic, social and cultural landscape. Barbadian
fisherwomen, particularly play a critical role in fisheries management, development,
sustainability and national food security. Though fisheries was traditionally perceived to be a
man’s domain, there is an adequate representation of women in fisheries throughout the island.
Various measures need be implemented, however, to improve their circumstances in the sector
and to increase recognition of their formal and informal roles in fisheries. This study focuses on
fisherwomen in Barbados, with a view to charting a legal and regulatory framework that writes
women into fisheries policy.
1 Recommended Citation King, Najla. Women and Fisheries, a Case Study on Barbadian Fisherwomen: Writing Women in Fisheries Law and Policy (2016).
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II. International Fisheries Regulatory Framework
The international maritime/fisheries regime sets standards with respect to the conduct of
maritime labour in the broad spectrum; specific to fisheries, it provides guidance on best
practices to be adopted by States in relation to working conditions on board fishing vessels,
competence of fishing vessel personnel, and social security protection of workers in the fish
industry. Fisheries law and policy should not only be informed by local circumstances;
international maritime and fisheries law should also be incorporated into the domestic legal
framework. The following international instruments are worthy of consideration in charting a
legal regime for work in fishing:
(a) The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
Overview
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 sets international standards for seafarers working
and living condition on board ships. It addresses the following concerns: (i) minimum
requirements for seafarers to work on a ship; (ii) employment conditions; (iii) accommodation,
recreational facilities, food and catering; (iv) health protection, medical care, welfare and social
security protection; (v) compliance and enforcement issues; (vi) abandonment of seafarers by
the shipowner.2
Application of the MLC in the fisheries context
Though the MLC mainly applies to work on board commercial vessels, excluding fishing vessels.
Its overarching objectives, which are: (i) ensuring safety and security at work; (ii) fair employment
terms; (iii) decent working conditions; (iv) provision of health protection, medical care, welfare
measures and other forms of social protection, can be applied in the fisheries context as fisheries
is a form of maritime labour. Fishermen and fisherwomen fall into the domain of maritime
2 Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Adopted 23 February, 2006; entry into force 20 August, 2013.
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workers because their work is focused at sea, hence the maritime labour regulatory framework
as established in the MLC, 2006 is of some use in regulating work in fisheries.
(b) The ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and the Work in Fishing
Recommendation, 2007 (No. 199)
The Work in Fishing Convention (WIF), 20073 prime objective is to ensure that fishers have decent
working conditions on board fishing vessels that minimum standards regarding conditions of
service, accommodation and food, occupational safety, and health (OSH) protection, medical
care and social security. It also includes specific provisions on enforcement and compliance by
flag and port States;4 with respect to jurisdictional exercise by the flag State and safety conditions
on board fishing vessels.
The Work in Fishing Recommendation5 (WIFR), 2007, which accompanies the WIF, 2007, gives
guidance on the implementation of the WIF Convention. It also addresses the same concerns of
the WIF Convention, and requires compliance with the Convention, especially in relation to the
granting of licenses for fishing in the EEZ (exclusive economic zone).
Four Resolutions were subsequently adopted by the International Law Commission (ILC) at its
96th Session to facilitate effective implementation of the WIF Convention. Together these
instruments seek to improve working conditions of fishers.
(c) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F)
The STCW-F applies to crews of seagoing fishing vessels, and to vessels generally 24 metres in
length and above. STCW-F was the first attempt to establish international mandatory standards
3 ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188). Adopted 14 June, 2007. Not yet in force. 4 See Articles 40 and 43 (2) WIF, 2007. 5 Adopted 14 June, 2007.
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of safety for fishing vessel crews. The STCW-F must be used in conjunction with the Document
for Guidance on Training and Certification of Fishing Vessel Personnel, which was approved by
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Labour
Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2000.
III. Women and Fisheries: Key Findings on Barbadian Fisherwomen
(a) The legal position of women in fisheries in Barbados
The current legislative framework is silent on gender in the fisheries sector. The Fisheries Act of
Barbados does not define the term ‘fisherman’ or ‘fisherwoman.’ This lack of definition is by
extension a lack of recognition of women’s roles in fisheries, and poses a challenge for women in
securing gender-related labour rights. Defining the fish worker gives him/her a status which
recognises the human element of his/her employment, in terms of the activities undertaken by
both fishermen and fisher women and the social and economic impact of such activities on men
and women, respectively. Women fishers would especially benefit from such recognition, as the
human factors of their work such as employment conditions, social security, education, health
and maternity issues can be effectively addressed. The fact of gender and gender-specific issues
can thus be effectively weighed in the policymaking process. A working definition should
encompass men and women labelled under the gender neutral terms ‘fisher’ or ‘fish worker’, as
opposed to discriminative terminology like ‘fisherman’ or ‘fisherwoman’ and should apply to
direct and indirect contribution and participation in fish work. This will allow for
acknowledgement of formal and informal labour and the various roles played by men and women
in carrying out such labour. It will also promote gender equity and ensure gender mainstreaming
in the fisheries sector. Fishermen and fisherwomen would be able to benefit from a status which
recognises the human dimension of their work and their legal position concerning employment
in the industry, as well as afford them necessary legal protection.
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(b) Women’s employment: formal
Seagoing – Many Barbadian fisherwomen are unwilling to go to sea, as evident by the heavier
concentration of women in onshore activities. An increasing number of them are boat owners
but men work their boats for them as they are not keen on seagoing fishing. There are a few
women who participate in the seagoing fishing subsector. Initiatives need be undertaken so that
women would not be under-represented in this area; for instance, navigational training
opportunities should be made available to women. Fishing vessels should also be female-friendly,
equipped with bathroom facilities, feminine hygiene equipment and sanitary products.
Constructing and/or outfitting vessels to take into account the special needs of women, may
encourage more women to go out to sea and give them the option of whether or not they wish
to stay out at sea for longer periods.
Fish Processing – This includes an array of onshore activities such as cleaning, scaling, boning and
selling of fish. Women are over-represented in the seafood processing subsector of fisheries, as
majority of female fishers work in this area. The women benefit from training and education in
seafood processing, handling, storage and fish quality control. There is a need for diversification
in education and training so that women would not be confined to the seafood processing sub-
industry should also be trained in navigation, gear technology, entrepreneurial studies, co-
operative, leadership and management studies and other non-fisheries areas, so that when the
fish season is slow the women can resort to other skills to generate income for themselves.
Management – A significant number of Barbadian women have made remarkable inroads into
this segment, both at middle management and top management positions. This is a positive, as
it reflects a welcoming reception of women at various levels into the fishing industry, which has
been traditionally been viewed as a man’s territory.
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(c) Women’s employment: informal
Unpaid/informal work by women in support of fishing family enterprises is pivotal to the sector,
but largely unrecognised. This form of labour is categorised below:
Onshore support ‘collaborative wives/spouses’ – Fishing family enterprises play an integral role
in local fisheries. The Barbadian fishing industry is family oriented, with wives, husbands and
children of fisher folk actively participating in fisheries. Fisher wives provide specific shore side
support in management, continuity, communication, bookkeeping and marketing.
Overall management: Wives/spouses of fishermen handle financial, management,
marketing and basic matters for their husbands/spouses, allowing them to focus solely
on fishing.
Continuity: Women play an essential role in the passing of traditional fishing knowledge
and skills to future generations, as they involve their children in the industry. This is also
critical to the survival of their business, and to the perpetuity of the fisheries sector on a
whole.
Communication: Women serve as a necessary contact point while their husband/spouse
is at sea. Communication was at one time a crucial requirement, but in light of
technological advancements, has become less so, as sea-going fishermen have improved
communication channels while at sea.
Bookkeeping: Women oversee accounting affairs of their seagoing husbands/spouses
and manage fisheries expenditures and revenues.
Marketing: Women contribute to the maintenance of an attractive fisheries market, as
they create a market network which keeps track of current fish prices, best deals and
market development.
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IV. Crafting a Legal Response: Writing Women in Fisheries Law and Policy, Towards Gender
Mainstreaming
(a) The Gender Mainstreaming Concept in Fisheries
Gender mainstreaming is the process of analysing the impact on men and women ‘of any planned
action, including legislation, policies or programs, in all areas and at all levels.’6 It is a technique
for making women’s and men’s issues and experiences a fundamental part of the design,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs to ensure the promotion of
gender equality. In the fisheries context it is an assessment of the implications for men and
women in fish work.
(b) The proposed Legal Response
Legal and policy reforms for effective inclusion of women into the domestic fisheries regulatory
framework is recommended as follows:
(a) International legal instruments like the MLC, WIF, WIFR and STCW-F should be incorporated
into the national legal system, with a protective approach and comprehensive legal regime for
women fishers.
(b) Descriptive nouns such as ‘fisherman’ or ‘fisherwoman’ should be excluded as far as possible
in legislation; instead gender sensitive terms like ‘fisher’, ‘fish trader’ or ‘fish worker’ is
encouraged. Such neutral terms would emphasise that although there is a sexual division of
labour between men and women in fisheries, they are all fish workers.
6 Lentisco, Angela and Enrique Alonso. On Gender Mainstreaming Strategies and Tools in Fisheries Development Projects: RFLP Gender Strategy and Lessons from the Asia-Pacific Region. Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries: Moving the Agenda Forward Asian Fisheries Science Special Issue Vol. 25S (2012). p3.
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(c) Laws and policies should not perpetuate stereotypes by being clothed in biases about sexual
division of labour in fisheries. They should be designed to respond to men’s and women’s specific
needs while ensuring gender equality.
(d) A gender and development (GAD) approach as opposed to a women and development (WAD)
approach should be taken in the policymaking process. A GAD approach can effectively challenge
and address stereotypical roles and socially constructed notions of men and women in fishing. A
GAD approach further enables gender mainstreaming.
(e) National fisheries law and policies should have a general gender equality component, which
gives credence to relevant fundamental human rights instruments such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)7, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)8; to
name a few. Additionally, the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against
Women (CEDAW) should especially be used as a guiding tool to chart a legal protection regime
for women’s fundamental rights on an equal footing with men, to eliminate gender preference
and promote gender mainstreaming.
(f) Laws and policies should facilitate an organisational culture that creates a discrimination-free
and harassment-free work environment, thereby ensuring a comfortable, fair and safe working
environment for women.
(g) Incentives should be employed to protect against depletion of the local labour force for
fishing, especially concerning women, who may be forced due to economic or other challenges
in the industry, to migrate internally to other employment fields or externally to other fishing
industries. This would ensure continuity of family enterprises in fisheries, and protect against loss
of women in the fishery work force.
7 UDHR, Article 2 stipulates that every human being is entitled to all rights and freedoms… without any discrimination based on race, colour, gender, language, religion, political, etc. 8 Both the ICCPR and the ICESCR prohibit discrimination on grounds of sex.
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(h) The importance of women’s contribution to food security should also be reflected in policies.
To this end, gender sensitive responses to climate change impacts on women in fisheries are
necessary. As most households in Barbados are female-headed, poor fish catches due to adverse
climate patterns directly impact on women, as resource scarcity affect their income. Equitable
participation by women in the decision-making process, especially as it relates to resource
availability, resource accessibility, resource utilisation and resource systems stability is critical.
Women’s input on this and other fisheries-related affairs should be reflected in policies.
(i) National law should provide a comprehensive social security regime for fishers, including
maternity and paternity rights. This social security regime should also take into account the
activities of unpaid collaborating spouses, giving consideration to fisher wives and husbands in
the legal sense as well as to common law unions. Though it is difficult to precisely quantify the
work of collaborative partners, some form of recognition should be given in exchange for their
contributions.
(j) Women’s input into marine planning and resource management is also encouraged in
policymaking, as women interact differently to men with the marine environment and often have
different knowledge and experiences to impart. Their role in post-harvesting activities, for
instance, may give them increased knowledge of fish reproductive cycles. Women’s participation
is therefore important in the planning, development and management of coastal and marine
resources. Women have valuable information and specific issues in this area, which need be
taken into account for effective outcomes.
(k) In the broad spectrum, women’s representation in the fisheries sector should not only be
depicted by their numbers, but moreso by policies that reflect their circumstances and give due
consideration to their peculiarities.
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V. Conclusion
The study found that fisherwomen in Barbados deem the fishing sector to be lucrative. Attractive
economic rewards is the key pull-factor of women into fish work, it is also the ‘stay’ factor, as it
requires low capital to start up fishing business and the returns are high. Other reasons for
gravitating towards the sector mentioned by the women is that fish trading has been in their
family lineage; being introduced to it by their parents and relatives. Some of them also married
into fishing, their husbands being fishermen and them getting involved as a result. The long years
working in, and involvement of their children in the industry evidences their intention to remain
in the industry, notwithstanding the issues and challenges they encounter. Most of the issues the
women face in the industry stem from being self-employed, as they have to provide their own
social security, own working tools and equipment. Being self-employed has its challenges. A
recurring complaint from the women who participated in the study pertained to garnering aid
from financial institutions who are not so eager to lend money due to their financial status and
concerns about their job security and corresponding ability to be able to repay their debts. The
study also found that the women feel both unappreciated and under-appreciated. They feel
ignored, expressing that even though they attend meetings and air their views, their inputs do
not translate into policy. In short, they feel lack of recognition in the sector and under-
representation in the decision-making process. In spite of this, Barbadian fisherwomen are
making significant strides, especially as it relates to rearing of their children, education and home
acquisition. Many of them are able to provide their children with tertiary education and acquire
homes solely on their fishery earnings. The women, themselves, are privy to training and
educational opportunities to enhance their working skills and practices. There are conflicts,
however, with money-making, participation in meetings, education and health and the women
often choose the former over the latter. The women are reluctant to sacrifice working and
consequential income loss to attend a class or meeting which clashes with their work times.
Economic demands rend it difficult for them to practice healthy lifestyles; thus they face health
issues such as arthritis, diabetes, heart problems and other maladies due to working extended
periods without breaks; working all-year round without taking a vacation for themselves, resting
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only on the four days in each year when the market is closed. The study concludes that despite
the obstacles faced by women in fisheries, the industry is not a doom and gloom one for women;
there are not marginalised, an adequate number of them occupy various positions throughout
the fisheries sector. It is recommended, however, that necessary legislative and policy reforms
with a gender element be developed and implemented to efficiently incorporate women into the
fisheries regulatory infrastructure.
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APPENDIX
Meet some of the Fisherwomen
Below is a compilation of some of the women who participated in the study. Only one woman
opted to give her real name, the others preferred fictitious names. The stories, however, are a
genuine account of the women’s experiences in fishing. The women who are not featured by
name had similar complaints to the women named in this appendix; their contributions to
fisheries as well as their issues and challenges are discussed in general as detailed in Parts III, IV
and V of this study.
***
Sonia Taitt-Bailey (her real name)
Vendor, Sonia Taitt-Bailey worked in fishing for 20+ years. Sonia works 7 days per week, 12 hours
per day. As a result of the status of the economy, Sonia had to increase her working hours.
‘Fisheries sustain my family. Fisheries is a family industry. My children involve, too,’ Sonia proudly
stated. The mother of 7 was able to educate five of her children at the University of the West
Indies, Cave Hill Campus and the other two at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. She
expressed financial challenges with the glass cases for fish storage, lamenting that the price for
ice is $15 dollars per day to store fish and the ice has to be replaced throughout the day, ‘it real
costly to be buying ice so all de time,’ adding that it also poses marketing challenges as the
customer cannot see the fish properly in submerged ice, therefore affecting their buying choice.
One recommendation made by Sonia was to make provision for receiving of cheques and credit
cards in the market, lamenting that cash reliance has its disadvantages in that some of her
customers do not always have cash and cannot use cards as there is no facility in the markets for
such. Sonia advocates for navigational training for women so that those females who are willing
and are interested in seagoing fishing can do so.
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***
Jan Kennedy (not her real name)
Vendor and boat-owner, Jan Kennedy has been in the industry for 16+ years. She is able to pay
her utilities, educate her children and live a relatively comfortable life. The homeowner, who
acquired her home from fishery income expressed that women in the industry are not sufficiently
recognised. She elaborated on financial obstacles such as the complexing of getting loans from
banks and getting mortgages to buy boats. ‘Two fishermen work my boat. I largely survive on my
boat,’ she said with an air of self-fulfilment. Jan struggled to improve her circumstances as a self-
employed fisherwoman. She is currently working towards buying another boat. Jan is, however,
concerned with the continuity of her business, as her 3 children; one, a musician, another
pursuing a legal career and the other pursuing studies in psychology (all educated from Jan’s
fishing income) are not interested in working in the industry. ‘I prefer my kids to work in the
industry. When I die, my business will die, she confessed. Regarding the professional aspect of
being a fisherwoman, Jan unapologetically states that, ‘fish workers should be honoured for their
work,’ citing that ‘restaurants, hotels, big processors, the hospitals rely on fish.’ She further
commented that ‘if fish workers had to strike, people would realise how important we are.’ Jan
highlighted that she brings foreign exchange into Barbados, exporting 4000 fish weekly. ‘Fisheries
bring in a lot of revenue. There’s a lot of money in this business, but we are snubbed,’ she
continued. ‘When I go to the bank to transact business the bank staff and customers turn up their
noses at me, but I take a handsome sum whenever I go to deposit money,’ she further elaborated
on the treatment she suffers as a fisherwoman. Jan relies solely on the marine environment for
her survival; rejoicing when fish yields are plenty, toughing it out when they are not. Speaking
specifically on the impact of environmental factors and resource availability on her, she explained
that there will always be slow periods. ‘Every day is not the same; you don’t always get a good
catch, the boat doesn’t always bring in fish, especially when the Sargassum seaweed9 is a lot. So
basically no fish, no pay and it is expensive to cover boat operation.’ Jan described work in fishing
‘like doing a man’s job.’ Jan suggests establishment of a fund to cover an array of financial and
9 Sargassum (brown algae seaweed) is non-native to Barbados.
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social security concerns of fish workers, of particular mention was the issue of maternity. ‘Either
pay NIS or protect yourself from getting pregnant,’ she advised. Jan also suggests that there be a
women’s organisation to represent women in fisheries. In personal recognition of the fact of her
contribution to creation of employment opportunities in the sector, she wishes to put more boats
on the sea so she can hire more people. ‘More boats, more jobs,’ she summed up.
***
Sophia Thorne (not her real name)
Approaching 79 years of age, Sophia Thorne worked in the fishing industry for 40+ years. The
mother, grandmother and great-grandmother says that she educated her children from fisheries
and assisted with the education of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The fire victim,
who built her now-lost home from her fishery earnings, advocates for a fisherwomen
organisation. ‘We issues fall on deaf ears,’ the elderly lady said unabashedly, opining that women
are given voice and nothing else in the decision-making process. She complained that the industry
is not properly regulated, exposing that ‘many fish workers do not have health certificates and
fishing licenses as required, but nobody don’t check.’ Sophia feels that the system and operation
of things in the market is unfair and unfriendly, remarking ‘every man for himself.’ She explains
that the general work atmosphere has impacted upon her negatively as an elderly fisherwoman
as she is unable due to age and health constraints to compete with younger fisher folk. She
expounds that the uneven playing field in the market affects her economically, in that she has to
compete with illegitimate fish workers who by law should not be in the market plying their trade
as they operate without health certificates and fish licenses. She also has to compete with
younger fish workers who are often hostile and cut into her customer flow. ‘I can’t run around
and get sales like before,’ the septuagenarian said. Sophia believes that a fairer market system
and effective enforcement of fisheries laws and market regulations would improve general
working conditions, and by extension improve her circumstances as an older fish worker. She
suggests that some kind of measures be put in place to protect elderly persons operating in the
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industry, so that they would not be forced out unreasonably, adding, it is my choice when I want
to stop fish work.’
***
Jenny Kensett (not her real name)
Jenny Kensett, a market supervisor, worked in the industry for 27+ years. The strict disciplinarian
reminiscently said that, ‘the beauty of working in market days gone,’ alluding to the current
disorder that pervades in markets today. Lax enforcement of market laws and regulations is
considered by Jenny to be a hindrance to effective and efficient functioning of the market, as well
as to her being able to conduct her work accordingly, as her attempts to uphold these laws are
met with antagonism. Scaling of fish by unlicensed persons is one such unlawful practice she
protested against. Another ill she complained of is the lack of presence of quality control officers,
explaining that every market must have a quality control officer to regulate storage and
temperature of fish and ensure that quality fish is being sold. Regarding women in the industry
on a whole, she contended that the decision-making and participation process need be more
transparent and reflective of women’s issues, stating that, ‘women have a voice, but it is unheard.
The women’s input are not seen in the policies.’ Jenny, who is especially concerned for the
financial security of women in the industry urges the women in her market to pay national
insurance (NIS), arguing that it should be mandatory for fish workers to pay NIS. She is also keen
on her women being trained, admitting that even this has its complexities as the women are not
eager to sacrifice a day’s work to attend courses, suggesting that courses should be structured
and hosted at times and places that would be more convenient. The dedicated supervisor
champions the women as the powerhouse in the industry. As she put it, ‘Women are behind the
men in the industry, but they’re not recognised. Women take over the boat when it comes in and
determines who to sell fish to even though they do not own the boat.’ Jenny suggests that an
association specifically for women in the sector would be beneficial in making fisherwomen more
visible; proposing that more policies and programs within the fishing sector consider gender
issues so that women is the industry are better socially recognised.
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***
Anne Bellamy (not her real name)
Fisher wife, Anne Bellamy, works alongside her husband in fisheries and takes charge of all shore
side activities. ‘I clean, cut, bag and sell fish, and collect the fish money,’ Anne outlined her
activities. Anne who participated in the industry as a collaborating wife for 10+ years highlighted
that some Barbadian fisherwomen migrate to Trinidad and Tobago to bone flying fish and resell
boneless flying fish to Barbados, citing better work opportunities as the main reason for women’s
relocation to Trinidad and Tobago. The disadvantages of such movement could not be ignored
by Anne, who deems it as a valuable loss of skilled women in fishing work force, loss of creativity
and foreign exchange. Anne argues for increased recognition by women in fishing, including
fisher wives, like herself. ‘Fishermen wives actually run the business, so there should be financial
benefits for us,’ said Anne. When asked if she is aware that in France fishermen wives have rights
and are entitled to benefits, she admitted that though she was unaware of the situation in France
she hoped to see a similar provision made for Barbadian fisher wives and spouses because the
wives did majority of the work, while the husbands merely go out to sea and bring in fish. ‘When
he bring in de boat, everything else after that is up to me.’ Anne also complained of the financial
barriers to fish workers, sharing a personal encounter when her husband got injured on the boat.
Anne said that even though she pays NIS, she could not claim for her husband. She was told that
he has to pay his own NIS. She also pointed out the difficulty of her husband getting loans as he
is self-employed, and financial institutions seriously scrutinise his ability to repay.
***
Beth Charleston (not her real name)
23 years in fisheries and counting, vendor, Beth Charleston started out selling fish commercially
for a company; aborting that mode of fish work she launched full scale into domestic fisheries,
selling mainly to householders. A fish worker’s activist is an apt description for Beth who sits on
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the committees of two fisheries organisations, actively seeking to improve the industry itself and
by extension the circumstances of fish workers. ‘I am interested in the industry on a whole, it’s
not just about making money,’ said the impassioned Beth. Beth’s fishing activities are not only
confined to the market; she takes fishing from the market to the community and youth. She
taught practical lessons in fish handling at various schools, including schools for the differently
able. ‘The stigma of working in the industry is reflected in the lack of recognition of fish workers.
So that’s why I took it upon myself to go to schools and advocate a career in fishing as an
attractive employment avenue,’ Beth explained. Beth believes that the lack of recognition in the
sector stems not only from external factors but also internal ones, pointing out in particular that
fish workers themselves do not acknowledge how important both them and the industry are;
adding that, ‘they (the fishers) need to view the market as a legitimate business and see
customers as clients.’ The sector has not been all sunshine for Beth, however. The financial
realities of being a self-employed worker glared Beth full in the face on two distinctive occasions.
The avid NIS payer received no benefit when she suffered a leg injury at one time, and another
time when she cut her finger on the job, she also did not receive NIS. Beth argues for more
benefits other than old age and maternity, such as invalidity benefit. Another complaint of Beth’s
is poor communication between management and workers. ‘Management puts things in place
and then tells workers after. They need to consult more with us before making decisions’ stated
Beth. The visionary who travelled to Nova Scotia is trained in development planning, however,
her skills and expertise are not able to fully flourish. Speaking specifically to some of her
suggestions for enhancing the market where she operates, she said, ‘there are a lot of yeses to
my recommendations but they never manifested.’ Two major ideas Beth shared were one: to
establish a fishing village which links tourism, youth, culture and technology, and involves a
cluster of different entities. The appendage of a restaurant, internet café and bar either onto or
in very close proximity to the market. Interlinked with this suggestion was her advice that
fisheries should build the tourism industry. ‘I try to reinforce to management that agriculture and
fisheries is crucial and put fisheries, instead of tourism to be the island’s top earner.’ A second
idea of Beth’s was to make fisheries integral to tertiary level education. ‘I was going to train some
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UWI10 students how to fillet and handle fish, then get them to teach it to younger children. I was
also gonna get them to teach the elderly how to use technology.’ Informing that these are only
the tip of the ice berg for ideas floating around in her creative mind, she laments ‘as a
fisherwoman I have so much to offer, so much I want to give, so much I would like to see happen
for the industry. I have shared these and many other ideas at meetings, but it don’t go nowhere;
women’s participation do not go beyond management level.’ Beth sees the fishing sector as
unique and valuable and continues, in spite of the odds, to get that message across.
***
Eve Farrell (not her real name)
One out of the few seagoing fisherwomen in Barbados, Eve Farrell has been engaging in seagoing
fishing for 15+ years. Her love for the sea sprung from being born and raised near the sea. Eve
specialises in seine net fishing, a form of fishing used to catch fish that inhabit near-shore waters.
‘I prefer reef fishing, don’t like to go too far out,’ Eve said, informing that on a few occasions she
did some deep sea fishing for flying fish, going as far as 10 miles out to sea. Eve admits that
though she is generally fearless of the sea, the rough waters and currents deter her from actively
pursuing deep sea fishing, also lack of convenient amenities on board fishing vessels that would
make it more comfortable for her to remain at sea for longer periods. ‘Reef fishing is easier, I
don’t have to spend long hours on the water with that kind of fishing,’ explained Eve. When asked
what prevents more women from participating in seagoing fishing – fear, inability to swim and
the female unfriendly nature of fishing vessels were the reasons given. ‘You must be able to swim
and dive, you must be fearless to battle them waters. It is fear that keeps most women off the
waters, and the lack of toilet facilities on boats,’ she expounded. Apart from fearlessness,
strength was one other attribute Eve stated that is required for women to venture out to sea.
Navigation, manoeuvrability and proper vessel handling are key skills one must be equipped with
to manage well with seagoing fisheries. ‘It is an active job, so you must be strong. You must be
able to concentrate on the boat’s movement while fishing, and manoeuvre while holding the
10 Acronym for regional tertiary educational institution University of the West Indies.
19
fishing line,’ Eve illuminated. Most times Eve is the only female on the boat; sometimes younger
females accompany her, however, just for the thrill of it, but for Eve it is an occupation. The part-
time seamstress who resorts to this other talent when the fishing season is slow revealed that
even though men dominate the vessel, their attitude towards her is welcoming. ‘Men like women
on the boat. They like female company,’ she said smiling. Her only encounter with real danger
was an instance where she got trapped in Sargassum seaweed, a non-native marine plant species
and was unable to see; having to claw her way out of it. ‘Sometimes you have to keep the boat
engine running to cut up the seaweed or go overboard to clear it.’ Climatic changes as manifested
through the unleashing of Sargassum seaweed in Barbadian waters has financially affected Eve,
who was forced back on her sewing machine due to decrease in reef fish as a result. Confined by
choice to seine (reef) fishing due to the risks and dangers involved in deep sea fishing and the
lack of feminine conveniences aboard fishing vessels, it is clear how this fisherwoman is impacted
on differently by climate change as compared to her male counterparts who can comfortably
engage in all other forms of fishing to make a living. Nonetheless, these obstacles are not enough
to make Eve abandon seagoing fishing. ‘I can’t see myself doing anything else. Selling fish is
boring. I just fish, bring in my catch, somebody else does the selling, and when the profits are
divided up I get my share,’ stated Eve. Expressing that she would like to see more women
participate in seagoing fishing, she proudly recalled taking some UWI female students out to fish
as part of their research project. Eve hopes that more women would in future consider the
seagoing fisheries sub-sector as an employment avenue; boasting that when the fish are
bountiful so is the money.