Aquaculture activity in Brazil has grown significantly in recent decades, positioning the country as the 13th largest producer in the world, with a total production of 630,000 t in 2020 (FAO 2022) . The activity is characterized by being practiced on small properties, mostly as a family activity. The country also registers a significant investment in science and technology, with more than 100 institutions dedicated to aquaculture in all regions of the country. However, as in most areas involving rural production, aquaculture presents strong gender inequality in the opportunities that the activity provides.
In 2024, of the seven Graduate Programs in Aquaculture that offer both Master’s and Doctoral degrees, five make faculty information available on their websites. In them, the percentage proportions of men and women range from 55:45 to 93:7 (♂:♀), with an average of 73:2 7 (♂:♀). Among the 99 Research Productivity Fellows in the area of Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - CNPq (a distinction intended for researchers who stand out among their peers when their scientific production is evaluated), the percentual proportion is 74:26 (♂:♀ ). However, when analyzing senior fellows (PQ-1A ), who exercise greater leadership, the inequality stands out (100♂:0♀ ).
T aking as an example the graduates of the PhD course in Aquaculture at the UNESP Aquaculture Center in 2016, 60% of the women were enrolled in universities, 22% in research institutes, 9% in extension, 2% in the private sector, 4% in postdoc and 9% gave up aquaculture to work in other areas, while men showed the proportions of 55% in universities, 20% in research institutes, 17% in extension, 6% in the private sector, 3% in postdoc and 3% in other areas. This scenario suggests greater interest by women in jobs with greater stability than in more competitive areas, such as the extension the productive sector and the private sector , where higher salaries are paid.
T he participation of women in the productive sector is more difficult to assess due to lack of data and statistics. However, when analyzing the rural credit line “National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture” (Pronaf) in 2021, and the specific financing line for the Brazilian female population (Pronaf -Mulher), it appears that credit to women in the area of aquaculture through Pronaf-Mulher is negligible, representing only 0.12% of the amount destined for this line of financing. This presentation will discuss the opportunities and challenges that women face to increase their participation in Brazilian aquaculture.