The assessment of the role of women within fishing communities in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) was carried out from the 22 July – 7 August 1999.The survey was conducted by Ms Lyn Lambeth (SPC Community Fisheries Officer), with the assistance of Mr Francis Itimai, Head of Fisheries Section, Ms Anne Luior, National Women’s Interest Officer and Mr Estephan Santiago, Conservation and Management Officer. The assessment was requested by the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia in response to an identified need for more information on the participation of women in the fisheries sector in FSM. The main objectives of the field survey were to:

◆ review the social and economic role of women in the fisheries sector, including activities such as the harvesting, processing and marketing of marine resources;
◆ provide details on both government and non-government services available to support the interests of fishing communities and identify support services specifically aimed at women in the fisheries sector;
◆ outline the problems faced by the small-scale fisheries sector, with particular attention to those problems faced by women; and
◆ provide guidelines to assist government and interest groups in finding solutions to these problems.