This brief explores the often under-examined, yet vital roles of women in the Sub-Saharan African maritime space, as well as the numerous challenges they face in entering those roles.
Key Findings
Women remain underrepresented in many maritime roles, ranging from participation in navies and coast guards, to fisheries management.
Fewer than one-third of countries included in the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index currently have laws against gender discrimination in hiring or mandate equal compensation.
Despite this, women have carved out positions in fisheries supply chains, building boats and mending fishing nets, and creating and marketing goods across coastal communities in Africa.
Furthermore, the influence women in coastal communities have on their families has been known to prevent participation in illicit activities such as piracy.
