A new binational study examining the role and challenges of women in small-scale fisheries in Chile and Peru was launched by the Humboldt II Project during a recent webinar attended by nearly 150 participants. The report, titled “Women in Small-Scale Fisheries of Peru and Chile: Challenges, Contributions, and Proposals Toward Equality,” highlights the significant contribution of women to environmental sustainability and community resilience along the coasts of both countries.
The study is a joint effort led by Chile’s Undersecretariat for Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA) and Peru’s Vice Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (VMPA-PRODUCE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Paloma Toranzos, head of UNDP’s Environment and Development Program in Chile, said at the event: “Today we present a report that marks an important milestone. Not only because it brings together comparative evidence between both countries, but because it makes visible what has remained outside public focus for years: the essential contribution of women at all stages of the fishing value chain.”
Juan Francisco Santibañez, head of SUBPESCA’s Fisheries Development Division, noted that Chile now has a legal framework promoting greater female participation in fisheries as a result of efforts by women themselves. He added that despite progress made, there are still areas needing improvement which have been effectively addressed by Humboldt II. “This project has not only helped make visible the women who are part of artisanal fishing and related activities but also promoted actions to strengthen their capacities. It has encouraged exchange initiatives so both countries can learn from each other. Women in artisanal fisheries are fundamental for global sustainability, and we have an opportunity to show that Pacific coastal nations like Chile and Peru are leading this path,” he stated.
Victoria Rosas Chávez, director general for Policy and Regulatory Analysis in Fisheries at VMPA-PRODUCE, emphasized: “Promoting gender equality is necessary for sustainable development in fisheries. As policy managers, this document provides valuable input for Peru. Its analysis helps identify key elements aligned with our National Fishing Policy to 2040—especially regarding recognition of women’s presence throughout the production chain.”
Globally, it is estimated that 40%–50% of those involved in small-scale fishing are women; however, official data systems do not reflect this reality. In Peru, officially registered female participation stands at just 3%, according to CENPAR 2012 figures—a number believed to be underestimated due to lack of recognition for related activities beyond extraction work.
In contrast, Chile has seen progress through implementation of Law 21.370—which promotes gender equity within fisheries—and creation of the Associated Activities Registry (RAC). These measures allow better tracking of women’s involvement across various tasks such as filleting or shellfish processing within the value chain.
The study identifies shared structural barriers facing women in both countries including workplace violence or discrimination as well as disproportionate caregiving responsibilities limiting economic autonomy or access to training opportunities.
Despite these obstacles, findings underscore how women lead value-added initiatives; promote sustainable management practices; and pass on local knowledge vital for sustaining fishing activity.
The report concludes with a roadmap developed by participating women outlining priority actions such as strengthening equality within governance structures; improving infrastructure with a gender perspective; ensuring equitable access to financing or training; formalizing related work; collecting sex-disaggregated data; preventing violence; and encouraging shared responsibility for care duties.
The full report can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/48L9UxJ
