Women fisherfolk in Ghana and Nigeria are calling for urgent government intervention to address the severe challenges posed by climate change. Emem Okon, Executive Director of KEBETKACHE Women Development and Resource Center in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of organized efforts to empower women in the fishing industry during a capacity-building training in Accra. Okon highlighted the role of organizations like KEBETKACHE and the Tano Women Empowerment and Development Association (TWEDA) in supporting these women.
The training, which focused on divestment, gender, climate change, and food sovereignty, aimed to strengthen partnerships among various groups under the Global Alliance for Gender and Green Action (GAGA). Okon stressed the need for continued efforts to amplify the voices of women fisherfolk, particularly those in the Anyako community of the Keta Municipality in Ghana’s Volta region. The women face significant challenges, such as frequent flooding, forcing them to venture further into the sea to fish.
Okon called on the government and development partners to support these women, as their livelihood is increasingly threatened by climate change. By empowering women fisherfolk and building their leadership capacities, organizations like TWEDA and KEBETKACHE hope to create a platform for these women to advocate for climate change solutions and secure the attention of policymakers.
TWEDA’s representative, Lucy Annor, acknowledged the impact of climate change on small businesses and reiterated the organization’s commitment to empowering women while amplifying their challenges. Both organizations are determined to push for government intervention to ensure sustainable support for women fisherfolk in Ghana and Nigeria.