Fish and fishing are fundamental elements of life in the Pacific; they contribute substantially to subsistence, market-based economies and cultures. In a region blessed with abundant marine resources and a long tradition of relying on fish for food, but with limited opportunities to earn an income, especially for women, it is important to understand how the fishery sector is contributing to women and men’s subsistence and livelihoods.

Women play a pivotal role in coastal fisheries but formal studies relating to Pacific island fisheries and aquaculture sector are still lacking. It is imperative to understand and recognise the role women play in the fisheries sector, whether it be as fish farmers in community development inland fishing, coastal fishing or deep-sea fisheries, or as government fisheries officials, or as observers or seafarers on fishing boats.

The report directly supports the goals and strategies highlighted in the Fiji National Gender Policy, which sets out a number of objectives that, when achieved, will promote gender equality in Fiji. These include the removal of all forms of gender inequality and gender discrimination in Fiji and the promotion of active and visible gender mainstreaming in all sectors of government.