Category Archives: Events

Visa information for GAF5 attendees

Other than Indian nationals, most people wanting to attend GAF5 (the 5th Global Symposium on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries) will need to obtain an Indian visa. If you are planning to attend, then you will need to obtain the necessary invitation from the organizers, and provide them with relevant passport and other details.

For GAF5, The 10IFAF Chair, Dr J.K. Jena (e-mail: jkjena2@rediffmail.com) and Dr Lalit Tyagi  (e-mail: tyagilk@gmail.com), the Chair of our GAF5 Host Country Team, will assist. You should allow a minimum of 2 months to get your visa. 

You should click here to download the document for passport particular to facilitate the invitation and visa, fill it in and return it directly to Dr Jena and Dr Tyagi by e-mail. Also, please direct your visa inquiries to Dr Tyagi.

Looking back at 2013

At the end of GAF4, student volunteers and Piyashi DebRoy (winner of GAF4 AquaFish CRSP Best Student Paper award congratulate all GAF4 participatns.

At the end of GAF4, student volunteers and Piyashi DebRoy (winner of GAF4 AquaFish CRSP Best Student Paper award congratulate all GAF4 participatns.

In 2013, the Genderaquafish.org website continued to develop as a global source of information sharing and news. Compared to 2012, the number of visitors grew by 16%, to over 17,000 for the year. The visitors came from even more countries than last year (163 countries, compared to 154 countries in 2012). The top 5 countries of our visitors were: India (3,695), USA (1,804), UK (1,124), Philippines (1,078), Malaysia (705).  Click here to see the complete report for 2013.

World map of visitors to Genderaquafish.org, 2013. source: WordPress Stats

World map of visitors to Genderaquafish.org, 2013. source: WordPress Stats

Summary table of visits by region 2013

By region, most visits came from Asia, followed by Europe and North America. The visits are no doubt driven not only by the interest in the topics on our website, but also by the fact that information is only in English and that internet access varies greatly across the world. We would welcome links with multi-lingual partners to share similar information and translate posts to mutual benefit.

Here is a snapshot of information from our 47 new posts and several new pages for the year!

REGIONS. Asia, Africa and Europe have been the regions most covered. Other regions were not forgotten. We covered Oceania, the Americas, and West Asia/Middle East. We even featured a story on Arctic fisheries.

THEMES. Many themes ran through our posts and events for the year. Just a few to highlight were: change, climate change, post-harvest, gender in the workplace, gendered labour studies and HIV/AIDS were just a few.

EVENTS. The main gender in aquaculture and fisheries events of 2013 that we reported were:

– the 4th Global Forum on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF4) in Yeosu, Korea; and
– the  Center for Maritime Research’s (MARE) People and the Sea conference held a session entitled ” Engaging Gender for Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods and Improved Social Wellbeing: Perspectives from the Global North and South,” in Amsterdam in June. 
 

PUBLICATIONS. We highlighted many new publications in our posts, including one of our own, the Special Issue of the Asian Fisheries Science journal containing papers and an overview from our 2011 GAF3 Symposium.

PEOPLE. We are endeavouring to give more profile to the leaders – the people with a passion to make a difference – who supply the news and lead the studies and projects. This is a relatively new initiative, so not all of our leaders are highlighted in the posts. You can a check out a few who are through this link: posts on people.

SOCIAL MEDIA. Our Facebook page, Twitter feed, Genderaquafish Google Group, Paper.li and Flickr media outreach is all integrated, although each has different, sometimes overlapping, audiences. all audiences continued to grow slowly. Piyashi Deb Roy and Danika Kleiber have stepped up to do the regular posts to the Google Group (a big thanks to both Piyashi and Danika!) and Angela Lentisco help with a sterling job tweeting during the GAF4 event [read the tweets for day 1, day 2, day 3] (a big thanks, Angela!). N.C Shyla gave tremendous support in the posts and webpages for GAF4 (a big thanks for your work, N.C.!). 

2014 promises to be another big year for gender in aquaculture and fisheries. Thank you all for your support as readers, contributors and commentators. Your contributions, suggestions and feedback are always welcome!

Highlighting the Work of Prof. (Mrs) Vijayakhader, India

Professor Vijahkhader

Prof Vijaykhader has a strong record of contributions to women in fisheries through food technology research and education in India. Her contributions have been recognized recently. She was appointed by the Government of India National Mission on Education and the Ministry of Human Resources Development as the subject coordinator for ICT enabled Higher Education at National level on production of course-ware e-Content for postgraduate subjects especially for Food Technology by.

She will also receive the 3rd Dr.Rajammal P.Devdas Memorial Award for her out standing scientific contributions in the area of Nutritional Sciences. She will deliver the Memorial Award Lecture during the 44th Annual National Conference of Nutrition Society of India (NSI) at Titupathi, Nov.16-17,2012.

We congratulate Prof Vijaykhader for her achievements and below highlight some of her publications and awards that are relevant to women in fisheries.

2003

Chapter 3: Socio-economic status of fisherwomen. Sathiadhas, R and Khader, Vijaya and Hassan, Femeena and Kasim, H M and Sudhakara, N S and Narayanakumar, R and Dhanapal, K and Lakshmi, J.  In: Workshop on Empowerment of Fisher Women, 13-14 October 2003, Hyderabad.

Abstract: In India, women constitute about 50 per cent of the population and comprise one third of the labour force. Women account for 32.5 per cent of the total work force of 121.63 million (1993-94) and the figure is still increasing day by day. Among the different sectors of the Indian economy where women contribute significantly, fishery sector is an important one. Out of the 5.4 million active fishers in India, 3.8 million (70.37%) are fishermen and 1.6 million (29.63%) are fisherwomen.

Study Methodology: In four Indian States – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu – 13 coastal districts were selected based on their relative importance in fisheries in the respective States. From these districts, 28 coastal villages were selected based on their method of fishing-mechanized, motorized, non-mechanized and representation of different fisherwomen stakeholders in the district. A total of 5744 households were covered in all the four States.

http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/8615/1/Sathiadhas_Socio_economic_status.pdf

(Caution: this download is larger than 9.0 Mb)

2004

Nutritional status and socioeconomic empowerment of fisherwomen in the coastal ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. By V. Khader, R.N. Kumar, J. Lakshmi, K. Dhanapal, H.M. Kasim, R. Sathiadhas and N.S. Sudhakara. In: Global Symposium on Gender and Fisheries – The WorldFish Center.

(Proceedings published 2006: for this paper, please go to pp 69-79 of the publication)

http://www.worldfishcenter.org/resource_centre/Gender%20and%20Fisheries%20Dec%202004.pdf

Abstract: This study was carried out in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. From these states, 13 districts and 28 villages were selected. A total of 5,744 households were covered. Cereal consumption was highest in Andhra Pradesh followed by Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Pulse consumption was high in Kerala when compared to other states. The overall energy intake of the fisherwomen was 1,827 kcal/day; protein intake was 50.6 gm/day; carbohydrate intake was 343 .5 gm/day; and fat intake was 27 gm/day. The mean intake of micronutrients was less than the recommended dietary allowance. The mean body mass index was 21 .3. The nutritional status of the women was: 49% normal; 17 % low normal; 10.5% mildly malnourished; 4% moderately malnourished; and 2.9% severely malnourished. About 11 .5% of the fisherwomen were overweight and 4.6% were obese. A subsample of 915 women was clinically observed: 34 .8% were diagnosed with angular stomatitis; 31 % with cheelosis; 42 .8% with bleeding gums; and 44 .2% with dry skin. Some 72 % of the women were anemic.

An assessment of the socioeconomic status indicated that very few households (15 .4%) maintained livestock for income generation. About 60% of the fisherwomen carried out post-harvest activities to earn income. Food expenditure comprised 60.7% of the earned income contributing to the major share of the spending. Debt servicing was a serious problem faced by 44 .9% of the respondents who had procured loans mostly from non-institutional sources.

2005

Dedicated Fisherwomen of India, In: GAA Global Aquaculture Advocate Magazine

[Link no longer available]

This article was published in the Community and Environment section of GAA’s October 2005 Global Aquaculture Advocate magazine. It was written by Dr. Vijaya Khader, dean of home science at Acharya N. G. Ranga Aricultural University, and Dr. N. S. Sudhakara, head of the Department of Fish Processing Technology at the College of Fisheries in India.

2006

Role of Fisherwomen in Coastal Eco-System of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu – An OverviewBy Vijaya Khader and R. Sathiadhas

-Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education

22nd annual Conference Proceedings, Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA.

http://www.aiaee.org/attachments/article/875/333.pdf

Abstract: The contributions of the fisherwomen penetrate every aspect of post-harvest handling, preservation, processing and marketing of seafood products and provide an intergral link between producers and consumers. Increased competition, declining resources and difficult working conditions make their work challenging. Women, who constitute approximately half of India’s population, play vital role in the operation of the fisheries and their continuing growth as a component of the agriculture sector of the economy. The assessment of the socio economic status indicated that very few households (15.41%) maintained livestock for income generation. About 60 per cent of the fisherwomen carried out post-harvest activities to earn income. Food expenditure comprised 60.68% of the earned income contributing to the major share of the spending. Debt servicing was serious problem faced by 44.9% of the respondents who had availed loans mostly from non-institutional sources. Much of India’s national food security rests on the shoulders of its fisherwomen. Affording comprehensive care for these women is correct in principle and a practical necessity if India’s fisheries sector is to be satisfactorily sustained and the fisher women empowered, both socially and economically. This can only be done through education about nutrition, health, sanitation, and child care, and training on current technologies and best practices techniques. Education materials viz., CDs, Flash Cards, Pamphlets, Brochures and Folders on health and hygiene, disaster management and income generation activities developed to create awareness. Two equipments namely Low cost ice Cream Freezer and multipurpose fresh fish vending and display table fabricated, received patents and licensed the technology to an woman entrepreneur.

2008

Empowerment of Fisherwomen. 2008 Agrotech Pub. Co. 152 pp.

http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Empowerment_of_fisher_women.html?id=sDztAAAAMAAJ&redir

(Limited online searching of text available only)

2012

Prof Vijaykhader receiving the INWES Eminent Scientist Award.

Prof Vijaykhader receiving the INWES Eminent Scientist Award.

On 12 October 2012: Received the EMINENT WOMEN SCIENTIST AWARD in Delhi, India, at the Regional Conference of the International  Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES).

On 17 November 2012: Received the 3rd Dr, Rajammal P.Devdas Memorial Award. Here is the Award statement:

“Prof. Vijayakader, Eminent Academician, Administrator & Extension Worker, Out Standing Scientist was conferred 3rd Dr. Rajammal P.Devdas Memorial Award on 17th Nov.2012 at Sri Venkateswra University during 44th National Conference Organizes by Nutrition Society of India on the topic Current Trends in Food Security to meet National Nutritional Challenges.”

” The Award was given for her major Research work on SOCIO ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL, FARM, FISHER AND TRIBAL WOMEN BESIDES IMPROVING HEALTH & NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF VULNERABLE GROUPS OF POPULATION. The Award of Medal & Certificate will be given by Dr. Anura V  Kurpad, President, Nutrition Society of India.”

“Vijaya Khader was instrumental in starting the INTERFACULTY POST GRADUATE PROGRAM IN FOOD TECHNOLOGY IN A.N.G.R.A.U.”

RFLP Women in Fisheries awards announced

RFLP’s team in the Philippines won the ‘Women in Fisheries’ award for its short film entitled “From gambling to earning” featuring the efforts of the La Conception Women’s Association. The Women in Fisheries Award was contested by the six RFLP countries to recognize and encourage their efforts to mainstream gender in their activities.

Taking runner’s up position was RFLP’s team from Timor Leste.

And on RFLPs work on alternative livelihoods and skills for fishing families and communities, check out the achievements of the RFLP at: RFLP.

All RFLP publications can be found at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/rflp/en