The role of women in aquaculture is multifaceted and crucial. Currently, women are engaged in nearly all stages of the aquaculture chain, from production to processing, marketing, and research. According to World Bank estimates, women hold approximately 1.4 million of the total 17.8 million jobs in the industry. In Malaysia, an increasing number of women are assuming leadership roles in aquaculture enterprises, managing fish farms, and contributing to overall business strategy. Beyond these roles, the significance of women as educators and their contribution to the current and future aquaculture sectors cannot be overstated.
Worldwide, including Malaysia, emphasis has been placed on the importance of the blue economy. Among the challenges that hinder effective development of Malaysia’s blue economy is the shortage of labor and technical expertise. As educators, women play a vital role in disseminating knowledge and skills related to aquaculture through various educational platforms, formal or informal. Imparting knowledge and skills is necessary to equip future generations of aquaculturists, researchers, and industry professionals with the requisite expertise. More importantly, the educational programs must align with industry needs, and women educators should play an active role in the curriculum development.
In addition, recognizing that aquaculture often lacks popularity among the youth, educators should strive to cultivate interest in the field among students. This can be achieved by introducing students to various sub-fields within aquaculture, organizing visits to aquaculture-related sectors, and sharing personal experiences. By fostering a deeper understanding of aquaculture’s contribution to food resilience, young individuals can become advocates for sustainable practices, driving innovation and adaptation in this vital industry. Through such awareness and engagement, we can empower the next generation to contribute meaningfully to building a more food-secure and sustainable future.
Moreover, while traditional perceptions have often depicted the aquaculture industry as male-dominated, the reality is that women constitute half of the overall workforce throughout the fisheries and aquaculture value chains, occupying critical roles. However, they are disproportionately represented in the informal, lowest paid, least stable, and least skilled segments of the workforce. Education serves as a potent catalyst for empowering women, and women educators can play a pivotal role in promoting gender equity and inclusivity within the aquaculture industry.
In conclusion, the role of women in aquaculture as educators is indispensable if we are to achieve a blue economy. Women e ducators will be one of the important individuals, shaping the future of the industry and paving the way for inclusive and equitable development, thereby fostering resilience and prosperity in aquaculture communities and beyond.