Women from over 10 Mediterranean countries will gather in Tunisia from October 5-7, 2026, for the "Women Together in Fisheries 2026" event. Organized by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the Mediterranean, the forum aims to promote women's leadership in the fisheries sector. The event will provide a platform for women to share experiences and solutions for more inclusive and sustainable coastal communities.
The forum will focus on several key areas, including women's economic empowerment, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods. Participants will explore opportunities for women to contribute to the blue economy, governance, and decision-making processes in the fisheries sector. The event will also highlight traditional knowledge and sustainable practices in fisheries, as well as women's roles in transforming and marketing seafood products.
On the first day of the forum, participants will review the current situation of women in the fisheries sector in Tunisia and North Africa. Discussions will focus on traditional knowledge, sustainable practices, and women's roles in cooperatives and resource management. An interactive session will delve into four main areas: the blue economy, economic empowerment, governance, and heritage and future.
The second day of the forum will include a field visit to the city of Ghar El Melh, where participants will meet with women involved in post-fishing activities. The day will focus on identifying priority changes, practical actions, and stakeholders to engage in promoting women's roles in the fisheries sector. Discussions will also address economic opportunities for women, their participation in governance, and enhancing coastal communities' resilience.
The third day of the forum will focus on plastic pollution, circular economy, and women's livelihoods in coastal communities. Participants will explore innovative approaches and technologies to address marine waste and discuss examples of transforming waste into new products and economic opportunities. The day will aim to identify conditions for developing local circular economy solutions and highlight women's roles in transforming coastal communities.
The forum aims to strengthen networks among women active in the fisheries sector and create new opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and knowledge sharing. The event seeks to go beyond experience sharing and develop common priorities, practical solutions, and cooperation pathways to contribute to building more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient coastal communities.
The "Women Together in Fisheries 2026" event emphasizes the importance of recognizing women as key actors, knowledge holders, and contributors to the future of the fisheries sector and coastal communities in the Mediterranean. The forum aims to turn shared experiences and knowledge into concrete ideas and opportunities for change.
Key points
- The forum will provide a platform for women to share experiences and solutions for more inclusive and sustainable coastal communities.
- The event will focus on women's economic empowerment, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods in the fisheries sector.
- The forum aims to develop common priorities, practical solutions, and cooperation pathways to contribute to building more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient coastal communities.
