April 4, 2022

Only 23% of the total workforce in European aquaculture are women

In Europe's aquaculture industry, only 23% of the total workforce are women, and they are usually in low-value jobs with their contributions to the sector unrecognised, underpaid, or unpaid, Fish Information & Services reported.

The aquaculture industry sees this as an issue linked to outdated social perceptions and a lack of awareness of young women in this sector. The Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organisation (HAPO) in Greece has been pushing for gender equality in the sector through awareness campaigns particularly among students.

Ismini Bogdanou, Communications Director at HAPO, said the aquaculture industry is a major employer in Greece. 5,000 people are directly employed in the sector and 12,000 people are indirectly employed.

Bogdanou said of those 5,000 people, only 27% are women and they are usually working in the packaging sector. Most people relate aquaculture to working in harsh conditions in the sea, around cage, or in packing houses where temperatures are very low.

She said young women should see the opportunities in the aquaculture industry for scientists, marketing, sales, lawyers and everything in between.

Bogdanou said the industry needs diversity and transformation, adding that women are very focused, adaptable, good negotiators, and can work well with others. She hopes the sector will employ not only more women but the elderly and younger people to bring in new ideas and new technologies, especially those who introduce advanced ideas on how to work in aquaculture.

-      Fish Information & Services