Women in fisheries - invisible force

Posted on 3 April 2025

First Gathering of Women in Fisheries in the Mediterranean

SPLIT - Traditionally, fishing has always been considered a male-dominated profession. However, women play an important yet less visible role in the sector. From preparing fishing tools to processing and selling fish, women are involved in every aspect of fisheries. Additionally, they provide indispensable logistical and administrative support to male family members managing the business while they are at sea. In some European countries, this type of support is formally recognized, but in Croatia, it remains undervalued and underappreciated.

To address this, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has organized the first-ever gathering of women in fisheries from eight Mediterranean countries in Split. The aim is to network and share experiences and challenges they face. Participants include women from Croatia, Tunisia, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy, and other nations united by their profession and calling in fisheries. On April 7th and 8th at the "Women in Fisheries" conference, these women will share their stories and experiences to encourage one another, gain support, and increase recognition for their work.

“Despite the importance of women in fisheries, their voices are still rarely heard. They are seldom consulted when decisions are made. This is why WWF brought together women from across the Mediterranean to connect and empower them. We believe this experience is crucial for their future as well as for sustainable fisheries overall,” emphasized Kora Dvorski from WWF Adria.

As part of the conference, female fishers will visit Split’s fish market on Monday to view a photo exhibition titled Invisible Strength in Fisheries, focusing on the role of women in the industry. The exhibition features photographs by Ivana Vareško, a globally renowned documentary photographer whose work has been published in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other prestigious magazines. Her photos capture female fishers in their natural environment, showcasing the beauty of their vocation beyond mere labor—it is their calling.

The exhibition's opening is scheduled for April 7th at 5:30 PM at Peškarija Market, and the photographs will remain on display until Friday, April 11th. Visitors are invited to explore the lives of these women for whom fishing is both a way of life and a passion.

Žene u ribarstvu - Split

Women in fisheries - invisible force

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