In a First, India's Fisherwomen to Come Together to Overcome Patriarchy and Forge a New Path

Thiruvananthapuram – In a historic move, the inaugural India Fisherwomen Assembly (IFA) 2024 is set to take place on the 5th and 6th of November in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The assembly will bring together fisherwomen from across the country, marking a significant milestone in the assertion of women’s rights in the fisheries sector. The event is being organized by various fisher unions in collaboration with Kerala’s Theeradesa Mahila Vedi and the Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation (KSMTF).

The IFA will be hosted at the Fr. Thomas Kocherry Centre and Cheru Resmi Centre in Valiathura, a location steeped in history for the fishing community. It has long been a hub for global leaders like Thomas Kocherry and Harekrishna Debnath, who shaped the fisher people's movements in India. The assembly seeks to unite fisherwomen from coastal and inland regions of the country, overcoming challenges such as language barriers, geographic distances, and societal limitations.

Struggles of Fisherwomen

Historically, women in the fisheries sector have played a crucial role in pre-fishing and post-fishing activities. However, many also directly participate in fishing, whether at sea or in backwaters, and engage in activities such as seaweed collection and pagadiya fishing. Despite this, their contributions have often been overlooked, compounded by a patriarchal society and a lack of recognition from male leaders within their own movement.

Over the years, fisherwomen have been at the forefront of battles for livelihood rights, dignity, and justice. From demanding the right to sell fish and fair treatment in processing units to resisting coastal land acquisitions for ports and thermal plants, their struggles have shaped the identity of the fishing community in India. With the creation of the IFA, fisherwomen are stepping into the spotlight to assert their leadership and confront emerging global challenges like the Blue Economy and ocean grabbing.

The India Fisherwomen Assembly serves as a political declaration in its own right, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among fisherwomen, feminist collectives, and women's organizations. The assembly will feature discussions on critical themes including Blue Economy, Ocean Grabbing, Climate Crisis, and Food Sovereignty. It will also witness a political convention, a delegate conference, and a cultural celebration highlighting the resistance of fisher communities.

This assembly is also a prelude to the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) 8th General Assembly, which will be held in Brazil from 14-21 November 2024. Four Indian women leaders will represent the country at this global event, which will include a special Women’s Assembly, Youth Assembly, and Indigenous Peoples Assembly.

The IFA will culminate with a grand rally through Kerala’s capital, celebrating the cultural resistance of fisherwomen. The assembly aims to bring together women fishers, academics, and political leaders from across India, fostering a new synergy for the fisherpeople's movement.

The organizers have urged the national and regional women’s organizations, along with solidarity groups, to actively participate and support the assembly, which could pave the way for stronger alliances within India’s natural resource-based communities.