International Women’s Day: FFA bolsters support for women in fisheries

As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency announced today it is recruiting a specialist advisor to strengthen its capacity in gender and social inclusion. This is a new position within FFA and reports directly to the Director General.

Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen said FFA is thrilled to be building on the important work already underway with recruitment of an in-house Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor.

“The objective of this role is to provide timely and relevant technical advice and assistance, undertake research, analytical work and capacity building initiatives on gender equality, diversity and social inclusion to support the Secretariat, our Member countries, and the Pacific tuna fisheries sector. ” said Dr Tupou-Roosen.

The role will support FFA’s commitment to working actively alongside its Member governments to promote four critical objectives:

• To remove barriers, both formal and informal, that impede or deter the full participation of women within the offshore fisheries sector;
• To provide practical support aimed at addressing the scourge of domestic violence;
• To work with all of our partners, including in the private sector, to promote greater gender balance and a respect for diversity that must underpin all our work;
• To acknowledge and celebrate the success and achievement of women in the fisheries sector.

“Although our industry has the reputation for being male dominated, I’d like to acknowledge and celebrate the many women pioneers who are leading the charge into non-traditional areas such as surveillance, ports, environment, science, fisheries observers and advocacy,” said Dr Tupou-Roosen.

“Women have long contributed to the growth of the sector in more traditional areas and we warmly thank these women for opening up the pathways for the future. Gender parity in fisheries will benefit us all.”

Applications for the Gender Equality Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor close 14th of March 2022. More information can be found here