Addressing gender equity and wellbeing in culture-based fisheries communities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Inland fisheries, of which culture-based fisheries (CBF) is a sub-sector, provide valuable aquatic products, important for sustaining rural livelihoods and food security. Women’s engagement in inland fisheries value chains is estimated to be higher than in marine fisheries value chains globally, as well as in Asia. Within the context of gender issues in inland fisheries in Asia and a macro-level assessment of gender inequality in Sri Lanka, this paper focuses on addressing gender equity and wellbeing in CBF communities in Sri Lanka. The conceptual approaches of social relations, gender inclusive value chains analysis and social wellbeing are combined to explore gender roles and relations within the livelihood system of reservoir communities, the extent of participation of women in fishing-related activities and in fisheries governance, the gendered location and benefits of participating in CBF value chains, as well as wellbeing perceptions that underlie the motivations and outcomes of CBF livelihoods in Sri Lanka. This paper is based on a literature review, as well as primary data from fieldwork by Kanchana and Paranamana in 9 reservoir-based CBF communities, located in 5 districts in Sri Lanka. Qualitative methods, centred on in-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), were used by the researchers. The analysis reveals the predominant engagement of men in CBF values chains of finfish and giant freshwater prawn (GFP). Women are mostly confined to several nodes, such as dried fish processing and retailing in the finfish chain, and primary handling in the GFP chain – activities with low economic returns. In addressing gender equity and wellbeing within the CBF sector in Sri Lanka, we argue for a transformative approach that focuses on translating policy into action, as well as changes in institutional systems and gender norms to ensure higher returns to women through a participatory, consultative process.