Strengthening Women's Role in the Mediterranean Fishing Industry: A Landmark Event in Split organized by WWF Mediterranean

Posted on 8 April 2025

WWF Mediterranean and WWF Adria organized the first-ever gathering of fisherwomen in Split, Croatia. The two-day event, held on April 7 and 8, brought together over 30 women from seven Mediterranean countries, including Croatia, Tunisia, Greece, Spain, and Italy

SPLIT, 08 APR – Traditionally seen as a male-dominated profession, fishing is a sector where women, though playing a vital role, remain underrepresented and undervalued. From preparing fishing gear to processing and selling the catch, women are involved in nearly every aspect of the industry, yet their contributions are often overlooked.

To address this imbalance and empower women in fisheries, WWF Mediterranean and WWF Adria organized the first-ever gathering of fisherwomen in Split, Croatia. The two-day event, held on April 7 and 8, brought together over 30 women from seven Mediterranean countries, including Croatia, Tunisia, Greece, Spain, and Italy. The aim was to create a network, share knowledge, and discuss the common challenges they face in the industry.

“Despite the significant role women play in fishing, their voices are rarely heard, and they are seldom involved in decision-making processes. That’s why this event is so important. WWF is bringing women together from across the Mediterranean to connect and empower them,” said Kora Dvorski, WWF Adria. “This experience is crucial not only for their future but for the overall sustainability of the fishing sector.”

The conference, titled "Women Together in Fisheries," provided a platform for women to share their personal stories and encourage one another. By discussing their experiences, they sought to gain greater recognition for their roles and to promote gender equality in the fishing industry. Through these conversations, they also hoped to boost awareness and support for sustainable fisheries practices across the Mediterranean.

As part of the conference, participants visited the Split fish market, where they had the chance to view the exhibition "Invisible Strength in Fisheries." The exhibition, featuring photographs by internationally renowned documentary photographer Ivana Vareško, showcased women in the fishing industry, capturing them in their natural environment. Her images highlighted the beauty and depth of their work, which often goes beyond the traditional understanding of "labor" and is seen as a calling or mission for many women.

Luca Eufemia, Small-Scale Fisheries Manager at WWF Mediterranean, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in fisheries. “By bringing together representatives from seven countries, we aim to strengthen the recognition of women's roles in fishing and support their contributions to the sustainability and resilience of the sector,” he said. “These efforts align with our vision that there can be no environmental justice without gender justice. We want to empower women to have a greater role in shaping the future of the fisheries sector.”

Alessia Bacchi, Marine Biologist at WWF Italy, echoed Eufemia’s sentiments, noting that women represent 28% of the total workforce in the Mediterranean fishing industry. "Women’s roles in fisheries are often neglected and underrepresented, which can lead to their marginalization. If we want women's voices to be heard, we must work together to raise awareness of their invaluable contributions to the sector,” she said.

The women involved in the event, from fishers to educators, entrepreneurs, and organizers, committed to building networks and advocating for the recognition of women in the fishing industry. Despite the significant challenges they face, they remain determined and passionate about creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sector.

As Laura Ferrari, a "fisherwoman" from Porto Cesareo in Lecce, Italy, put it: “I’ve never been afraid, not even during storms.” Her words serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength that women bring to the fishing industry every day.

Through this groundbreaking event, WWF Mediterranean has paved the way for future collaborations and initiatives to empower women in fisheries, ultimately working towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient fishing sector in the Mediterranean region.

Fisherwomen retreat Split