By: Kingsley Nana BuaduGender based violence in the fishing communities of the country is said to be on the rise and has been attributed to the decline in the fish stock, social-Cultural norms, lack of accountability among partners, poverty and polygamous relationships. This is confirmed by Findings Of a research conducted on gender based violence in some fishing communities of Central and Western Regions.
According to the research conducted by the Women in Fisheries Against Violence WIFVEs project, the effect of the gender based violence has not only been the economic consequences alone but injuries, adolescent pregnancies, child Labour, child marriage, increased in school dropout, burden of care on the elderly and stigma from communities. Gender based violence in the fishing communities is very real and women are very often the victims.
The roles of women and men in Ghana’s fishing industry are defined by traditional gender roles. While men undertake the fishing expedition women constitute the other large group responsible for fish processing and marketing. The further engage in fishery-related activities close to the household.
Capacity building programmes and sensitization training have already been organised for for Fishermen, fish mongers and processors, community leaders, and the media in the project areas which are Western and Central Revions.
The Head of Cooperation-EU Delegation to Ghana, Massimo Mina, noted that the contribution of the Fisheries Sector to Ghana’s economy cannot be overlooked as well as the role of women in this important sector.
According to him, gender equality is the key to realising the potential of Fisheries and Aquaculture to increase fish production and improve livelihoods. The Queen Of Anomabo, Nana Mbroba Dabo, confirmed the situation along the fishing communities and attributed the surge to some socio-cultural norms, lack of transparency and accountability by partners and polygamous behaviour of the fishermen.