9th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF9)

AU-IBAR will participate actively in the 9th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF9), to be held from October 1–3, 2025, at the Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani, Thailand. The conference, themed “Transforming aquaculture and fisheries for gender justice”, provides a strategic platform for AU-IBAR to showcase Africa’s progress and innovations in mainstreaming gender and youth in fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic biodiversity management.

AU-IBAR’s participation underscores its continental mandate to promote inclusive, sustainable, and equitable aquatic food systems. Through several high-level presentations, AU-IBAR will share evidence, frameworks, and case studies highlighting Africa’s experiences, lessons, and strategies in advancing gender justice in fisheries and aquaculture.

Featured AU-IBAR Presentations
1. Sustaining Livelihoods and Ecosystems: Gender-Responsive and Climate-Smart Approaches in Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Octopus Fisheries
Presenter: Mrs. Nuru Said Salum, Mwambao Coastal Community Network, Tanzania
This presentation highlights the gender and climate challenges in small-scale octopus fisheries across the Western Indian Ocean. Drawing on case studies from Zanzibar, Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania, it demonstrates how periodic closures, co-management, and gender-responsive strategies enhance ecosystem recovery, empower fisherwomen, and increase socio-economic resilience. Evidence includes a 700% increase in octopus landings post-closure in Madagascar’s Velondriake LMMA and new initiatives under the AU-IBAR/SIDA-supported WIO Network for Small-Scale Octopus Fisheries (WION-SOF). The presentation advocates for scaling integrated interventions—combining digital monitoring, adaptive governance, and climate-smart policies—to strengthen gender equity and sustainable blue economies in the region.

2. Advancing Gender Equality in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation: The Continental Gender Strategy
Presenters: Ms. Stephanie Achieng, Mrs. Hellen Guebama, Dr. Mohamed Seisay (AU-IBAR)
This presentation introduces the Continental Gender Strategy for Mainstreaming Gender in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation, developed by AU-IBAR. It aligns with the International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026) and Africa’s broader Blue Economy Strategy. The Strategy emphasizes policy reform, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and research as its core pillars. Drawing on case studies from Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, it highlights the often under-recognized contributions of women across the aquatic value chain, where women make up 40% globally and up to 60% in specific African contexts.
By framing gender equality within Africa’s continental frameworks (PFRS, CAADP, Agenda 2063), the presentation positions Africa as a leader in gender-transformative aquatic biodiversity governance while calling for greater investment and cross-regional learning.

3. Gender and Youth Agenda within the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS)
Presenters: Mrs. Hellen Guebama, Ms. Stephanie Achieng, Dr. Mohamed Seisay, and Mr. Delvis Fortes (AU-IBAR)
This presentation highlights the integration of gender and youth within Africa’s Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for fisheries and aquaculture. With 200 million Africans dependent on fish for protein and 13 million people employed in fisheries, women constitute 70% of the labor force, particularly in post-harvest processing, marketing, and distribution. The session addresses the undervaluation of women’s contributions, the challenges of youth unemployment, and the role of AU-IBAR in establishing the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFishNet).
The presentation emphasizes policy reforms, financing mechanisms, capacity building, and advocacy to secure women’s rights, prevent gender-based violence, eliminate child labor, and enhance youth participation in fisheries governance and intra-African trade.

4. The Role of Women’s Fish Organizations in Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries: The AWFishNet Case Study
Presenters: Ms. Lovin Kobusingye (AWFishNet) and Dr. Elizabeth Nyboer (Virginia Tech)
This case study showcases the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFishNet) as a model for collective action and advocacy in African small-scale fisheries. It illustrates how AWFishNet has amplified women’s voices, improved access to finance, reduced power imbalances, and strengthened participation in decision-making processes. Through skills-building, policy engagement, and cross-border collaboration, AWFishNet has enhanced women’s influence in fisheries governance and contributed to climate-resilient, gender-responsive fisheries.
The presentation offers practical lessons for policymakers and funders seeking to scale inclusive and sustainable fisheries governance across Africa.

Conclusion
Speaking ahead of the conference, Dr. Mohamed Seisay, Senior Blue Economy Expert at AU-IBAR, emphasised:
“Africa is demonstrating that gender justice in fisheries and aquaculture is not just a moral imperative, but a pathway to sustainability, food security, and resilient blue economies.”
Through its engagement at GAF9, AU-IBAR aims to foster stronger global partnerships, promote cross-regional learning, and ensure that women and youth remain at the forefront of Africa’s aquatic biodiversity agenda.

AU-IBAR’s participation at GAF9 reflects its commitment to gender justice in Africa’s aquatic food systems, building on robust frameworks, community-led innovations, and continental strategies, such as the PFRS and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy. By bringing African voices and experiences to this global platform, AU-IBAR aims to foster mutual learning, policy coherence, and investment partnerships that will advance inclusive fisheries and aquaculture, ensuring that women and youth are recognized as central actors in achieving sustainable blue economies.


Please visit the website https://gafconference.org/ - for more information on GAF9.