When we think of fishing in the Amazon, the image that often comes to mind is that of men navigating rivers, casting nets, and hauling in fish. However, this image fails to capture the full reality. Women play a critical and multifaceted role in fishing communities throughout the Amazon. Their participation in sustainable fishing practices is growing, not only reshaping the fishing industry but also strengthening environmental and social resilience across the region.
This article explores how women are involved in sustainable fishing in the Amazon, the challenges they face, and the transformative impact of their leadership in conservation and community development.
Historical Exclusion and Changing Roles
Traditionally, fishing in the Amazon has been gendered, with men dominating the actual act of fishing, while women were relegated to supportive tasks such as processing, cleaning, and selling fish. These behind-the-scenes roles were (and still are) essential, yet they often went unrecognized in policymaking, data collection, and public perception.
However, over the past two decades, women have begun to break these traditional roles. They are now:
- Taking part in actual fishing expeditions
- Leading cooperative fishing groups
- Participating in fish stock management and community oversight
- Playing key roles in education, sustainability advocacy, and research
This shift is contributing to greater gender equity and a more holistic approach to sustainable resource use.
Women in the Fishing Value Chain
Women’s contributions span the entire fishing value chain, including:
1. Harvesting
While still underrepresented in harvesting, more women are participating directly in small-scale and community-based fishing. This includes gathering shellfish, catching small river fish, and participating in cooperative harvests under management plans.
2. Processing
Women are central to the preparation and preservation of fish products. They are experts in smoking, salting, drying, and packaging fish for both local consumption and export.
3. Marketing
Women often serve as the primary sellers of fish in local markets. This role gives them control over income and decision-making in their households and communities.
4. Management and Policy
Increasingly, women are taking on leadership roles in community fisheries management councils, NGO-led sustainability projects, and government advisory boards.
Sustainable Practices Led by Women
Women’s involvement often brings a stronger focus on long-term sustainability. Studies and field reports suggest that women in Amazonian communities tend to:
- Promote conservation ethics, especially when it comes to protecting breeding seasons
- Support community rules that regulate fishing gear and quotas
- Educate younger generations about sustainable practices
- Reject harmful methods, such as the use of explosives or poisons
- Advocate for reforestation and clean water, understanding that fish sustainability is tied to the broader ecosystem
In many cases, the presence of women in fishing leadership correlates with more stable and effective community management plans.
Case Studies: Empowerment in Action
The Ribeirinha Women of Pará
In the riverside communities of Pará state, women have organized into associations that not only process fish but also manage their own fishing activities. Through training provided by local NGOs, they’ve learned how to:
- Monitor fish stocks
- Identify invasive species
- Use GPS and mobile apps for documentation
- Market eco-certified products
These women have become ambassadors for sustainability in their villages, often influencing men to adopt better practices.
Women in Mamirauá Reserve
In the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in Amazonas, women play key roles in community decision-making. Their work includes:
- Recording fish sizes and catch numbers
- Monitoring water levels and fish movement
- Ensuring compliance with fishing agreements
Their participation has improved data accuracy and community compliance, resulting in better resource management.
Barriers Faced by Women
Despite progress, women still face multiple challenges that limit their full participation:
1. Cultural Norms
In many Amazonian communities, there are persistent beliefs that fishing is “a man’s job.” Women who try to participate in fishing can face social stigma or even family opposition.
2. Lack of Access to Resources
Women often have less access to boats, fishing equipment, loans, and training compared to men. This limits their ability to scale up operations or innovate.
3. Underrepresentation in Governance
Even where community fishing councils exist, women are often underrepresented or excluded from decision-making roles.
4. Limited Data and Recognition
Most fisheries research and national statistics ignore women’s roles, making it harder to advocate for inclusive policies.
The Importance of Gender-Inclusive Policies
To build truly sustainable fisheries, policies must address gender equality alongside ecological goals. That means:
- Collecting gender-disaggregated data in fisheries research
- Supporting women-led cooperatives and associations
- Providing training and funding tailored to women’s needs
- Creating safe and inclusive spaces for women to participate in governance
- Recognizing and rewarding women’s knowledge and leadership
International organizations like FAO and UN Women have emphasized that gender equity is not just a social goal—it’s essential to environmental sustainability.
Education and Intergenerational Impact
Many Amazonian women are using education to drive change. By teaching children about:
- Respect for spawning seasons
- The dangers of pollution
- The value of native fish species
They help instill a culture of sustainability in future generations. Schools, community centers, and churches often become hubs where women lead environmental education programs.
These efforts contribute not only to ecological preservation but also to strengthening social cohesion and building community resilience.
A Future of Equal Participation
The Amazon cannot be protected without the full participation of those who live within it—and that includes women. Their knowledge, leadership, and commitment are critical to managing resources sustainably.
Steps Toward Greater Inclusion:
- Support grassroots women’s associations through funding and visibility
- Train more women in technical skills like GPS mapping, drone use, and data collection
- Ensure representation of women in all levels of fisheries governance
- Encourage collaboration between male and female fishers in sustainable planning
- Elevate women’s voices in national and international discussions on Amazon conservation
Conclusion: Women as Stewards of the River
In the Amazon, women are not just helpers or supporters in fishing communities—they are innovators, educators, and leaders. As the region grapples with environmental threats, economic challenges, and social inequalities, the full inclusion of women in sustainable fishing represents a powerful opportunity.
Recognizing, supporting, and expanding the role of women is not only a matter of justice—it’s a smart strategy for anyone who cares about the future of the Amazon River and its people.
Sou redatora especializada em pesca sustentável no Rio Amazonas, formada em Publicidade e Propaganda. Aliando comunicação e conservação, crio conteúdo que destaca o conhecimento tradicional, práticas sustentáveis e a preservação da biodiversidade amazônica. Meu trabalho visa conscientizar e inspirar ações responsáveis para proteger os rios e as comunidades que deles dependem.