A new initiative is set to strengthen women’s leadership and investment readiness in the Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture sectors. Organised by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in collaboration with the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), the program aims to increase female participation in sustainable aquaculture and fish farming value chains.
The initiative focuses on capacity building for women entrepreneurs and professionals, offering targeted training on leadership, business management and investment preparedness. By equipping participants with practical tools and knowledge, the program seeks to enable women to take active roles in decision-making, operational management and strategic development within the aquaculture sector.
Gender inclusion is increasingly recognised as a critical factor in aquaculture productivity and innovation. The program highlights the role of women in enhancing operational efficiency, promoting sustainability and fostering economic growth in regional fish farming operations. Participants also gain guidance on navigating investment opportunities, accessing finance and developing business models that meet the demands of modern aquaculture markets.
The series aims to strengthen technical skills, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, and build a professional network among women active in Mediterranean and Black Sea aquatic food systems. This network-building dynamic contributed to the creation of the Network of Women in Aquaculture, an initiative dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusivity across the global aquaculture sector.
FEAP emphasised that initiatives of this nature contribute to the long-term resilience of the Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture sectors. By creating pathways for women to assume leadership roles and engage with investment processes, the program supports broader industry goals of sustainability, competitiveness and innovation.
This effort aligns with regional strategies to modernise aquaculture practices while promoting social inclusion and equal opportunity. Strengthening women’s leadership and investment readiness ensures that the sector can harness diverse perspectives and skills to address challenges such as resource management, disease prevention and market expansion.
The program represents a step forward in integrating gender equity into aquaculture development, reinforcing the importance of women as key contributors to sustainable fish farming in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
