This article was originally shared by The Ocean Decade

Marine biologists, conservationists, chemists, oceanographers, and ocean advocates – women have long played a crucial role in driving science and research forward. In marine and coastal industries, they make up half the workforce, shaping major sectors like fisheries and tourism. However, they often hold the lowest-paid, lowest-status, and least-protected positions. Empowering women in ocean action isn’t just about fairness; it’s a key to unlocking sustainable ocean solutions.

In this article, we highlight three initiatives endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) that are pioneering innovative solutions through science, capacity building, and community action to address gender inequalities and promote inclusivity.

Back in 1872, the Royal Navy ship HMS Challenger set sail the first major scientific expedition of the ocean. On board were six scientists, 23 naval officers, 240 crew members, and thousands of gallons of alcohol and one hundred miles of rope – but not a single woman. Women weren’t just left out of the research – they were banned from even setting foot on the ship.

Fast forward to today, and the playing field is still far from level. Female empowerment in environmental work boosts economic outcomes, yet only 1% of climate financing goes to women-led organizations. Women make up just 38% of ocean scientists worldwide, with only 28% in senior research positions. Their representation is also minimal in technical, governance, and decision-making roles, despite comprising 53% of graduates in this field. Women bring in over US$5.6 billion a year in catch, primarily harvested in coastal waters. While much of it supports household consumption, many women also sell a portion, highlighting their vital part in small-scale fisheries and global food and livelihood security. Still, women often remain undervalued and behind the scenes.

Integrating a gender perspective into ocean science ensures we move towards ocean sustainability with the full spectrum of talents, experiences, and knowledge required for success. The three success stories below highlight how the Ocean Decade is advancing opportunities for women to take leadership and actively contribute to solving pressing ocean challenges.

EAF-Nansen Programme: Supporting women in a male-dominated, but female-intensive fishing industry

When we picture the fishing industry, the stereotypical image is almost always the same – men battling stormy seas for harvesting fish. But that’s only a part of a much larger picture: one in two jobs in the fishing industry belongs to a woman – but you won’t often find them on the decks of industrial trawlers. Instead, they are more likely to be found cleaning and packaging the fish we eat, transporting the catch to markets, and running small-scale family enterprises.

The EAF-Nansen Programme, a longstanding partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Norway dating back to 1975, is pushing to shift this narrative. Through training, research opportunities, and gender mainstreaming, it is equipping women with the skills and platforms to lead sustainable fisheries management across Africa and the Bay of Bengal.

The Programme’s “Gender Desks” – dedicated units within fisheries institutions – ensure that women and men’s perspectives are equally included in decision-making. With successful launches in Tanzania and the Gambia, this initiative is setting the stage for a continent-wide movement.

Since 2017, over 200 women scientists from 31 countries have boarded the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to gain hands-on experience in ocean surveys, ecosystem monitoring, and climate impact assessments.

To ensure its legacy in both research and people, the Programme empowers female scientists and policymakers to work directly with fishing communities. With over 300 women trained in scientific writing, fisheries policy, and gender-sensitive governance, the Programme is building capacity across the ocean science-policy nexus.

“As we celebrate 50 years of the Nansen Programme in 2025, we recognize its powerful legacy in not only advancing marine science, but also in championing women’s leadership. Today, women trained through this Programme are shaping policies, leading research, and transforming the future of ocean governance.” - Merete Tandstad, EAF-Nansen Programme Coordinator at the FAO

By fostering women’s leadership and integrating their voices into decision-making processes, the EAF-Nansen Programme is helping shape a future where gender equality and ocean sustainability go hand in hand.

Empower Ocean: Women as ocean guardians in the Maldives and Indonesia

In the coastal communities of the Maldives and Indonesia, women have long been held back from ocean stewardship by deep-rooted traditions and limited resources.

The Empowering Women for the Ocean Decade Programme of the Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute aims to strengthen women’s capacity and promote gender equality in ocean science and science-based governance systems. Under this Programme, the Decade Project Empower Ocean brings forward an untold story: women from traditionally marginalized backgrounds stepping up as leaders in marine conservation. By blending Indigenous knowledge and Western science, this initiative gives women the skills and tools they need to become ocean guardians – role models for their communities.

To date, 16 women from the Maldives and Raja Ampat, Indonesia, have overcome gender stereotypes, completing marine conservation, diving, and leadership training. Their work has helped shape future programs and advocacy, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches in preserving ocean ecosystems.

“Empower Ocean delivers ocean literacy, marine conservation and dive training programmes to local women within small-island, coral reef communities. Developed by UK-registered charity Women in Ocean Science and in collaboration with local stakeholders, we empower women to become ocean advocates within their communities, giving them the skills, resources and confidence to take an active role in protecting their marine ecosystem. We aim to continue to deliver these projects each year in Maldives and Indonesia and look to expand Empower Ocean to many more communities globally in the future.” - Helen Sampson, Managing Director of ‘Women in Ocean Science’ and of the project ‘Empower Ocean’

To get the coastal community involved, the initiative rallied over 100 women, girls, and community elders to try snorkelling for the very first time. This simple activity has connected them with the ocean on a whole new level, fostering a greater sense of responsibility for their marine environment.

Southeast Asian Ocean Professionals Program: Building capacity for women-managed MPAs

For decades, the waters off the Philippines have been home to some of the world’s most biodiverse marine life – a hotspot for coral reefs, dugongs, and countless other marine species. Since the 1970s, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established across the country, but women, who are deeply involved in marine conservation and fisheries, have had little say in their management.

The Southeast Asian Ocean Professionals Program, led by the East-West Center combines female empowerment, coastal resilience, and sustainable marine resource management. It launched a skills initiative focused on MPA know-how, disaster risk reduction, and hands-on marine monitoring to conduct basic marine ecosystem assessments.

It sees fisher women as powerful agents of change in coastal communities. In Barangay Decabobo, Coron, Palawan, 50 women are taking the lead in protecting their local waters. Armed with MPA education and leadership training, done in partnership with Lalakbayin Ecoventures, they have launched the first-ever woman-led marine protection initiative in the area. Not only does this boost coastal resilience, but it also inspires other communities to follow their lead.

“Through the Women Fisherfolk Leadership Corps, we’ve seen a shift in grassroots conservation practices—women fisherfolk are now actively involved in Marine Protected Area (MPA) management, participating in community monitoring and promoting sustainable resource use.This model of women-led conservation and livelihood integration can be replicated in other coastal communities worldwide, strengthening both marine protection and economic resilience.” - Mark Joseph Laceste, founder of Lalakbayin Ecoventures

By empowering women to manage MPAs and strengthening their leadership capabilities, this initiative offers a promising model that can be replicated in other coastal communities to enhance global marine conservation efforts.

For more information, please contact:
Ocean Decade Communications Team ([email protected])

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