Empowering Women in Fisheries: A Gender-Transformative Journey in Muleba District of Kagera Region in Tanzania

Abstract

This outcome story is based on work implemented in Muleba District by WorldFish, the Tanzania Women Fish Workers Association (TAWFA), which is the Tanzanian chapter of the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNet), and the Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO). In Muleba, traditional gender norms have long restricted women’s access to resources, as well as their decision-making power and mobility, particularly within fish value chains. These challenges are further exacerbated by the growing impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect women’s livelihoods in fisheries. HER+ addresses these barriers through a gender-transformative approach. This outcome story highlights how the Initiative builds on work previously done by EMEDO, has increased women’s participation in the fisheries value chain, and has fostered a significant shift in societal attitudes, resulting in enhanced resilience to climate change.

Preliminary field observations reveal that women in the dagaa value chain have successfully challenged traditional gender norms, enabling them to take control of their businesses and livelihoods. Before the intervention, women faced challenges to accessing fish because of poor access arrangements, limited capital, threats to their physical safety at night, potential theft of their money, risks to their marriage, etc. These challenges excluded women from fully participating in the fish value chain, and limited access to quality fish reduced the profit margins women earned from selling dagaa.