Enhancing Recognition of Women Fisherfolk in Bangladesh
JAGO NARI and CNRS with support from Oxfam under the EWCSA Project, organized a national event at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka focusing on the recognition of women fisherfolk and their invaluable contribution to the fisheries sector at 17 September 2025.
The chief guest at the event was Farida Akhtar, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh. She said, “Women fishermen should also have cards along with men in the family. The names of male fishermen appear on the fishing cards issued by the government, only 4 percent of them are women. If one person in the family works, he is the employee, but the entire family of those who fish is involved in this work. Most of the time, women have to work more in this process. Therefore, arrangements should be made to issue cards to women along with male fishermen.”
The Chief Guest expressed her strong solidarity, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging women fisherfolk’s role and contribution. She also assured that she would initiate coordination with the Land Department to allocate Khas land for women manta fisherfolk.
Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General, Department of Fisheries, also graced the event, along with respected government officials, Oxfam colleagues, NGO representatives, and women fisherfolk from across Bangladesh.
A policy brief was presented jointly by JAGO NARI and CNRS, highlighting the pressing need for institutional recognition and rights of women fisherfolk.
Published on: Sunday, 21 September 2025, 01:34 am ▪ Total View of this Page: 103
