By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Center for Gender Economics in Africa, CGE Africa, recently launched its project, “Fostering Women’s leadership in fisheries and aquaculture for climate change resilience in Nigeria.”

The initiative is aimed at addressing the critical underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors by empowering doctoral students from selected institutions with leadership and other essential skills.

The project’s focus on leadership development among female university students is expected to create a ripple effect within the sector. By equipping young women with the skills and opportunities needed to excel, CGE Africa aims to bridge the gender gap in leadership and decision-making. The initiative will also celebrate the achievements of women in fisheries, providing role models for the next generation.

The event brought together lecturers from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Departments of four leading universities in Southwestern Nigeria including the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, and the Federal University of Technology in Akure alongside representatives from civil society organizations.

Attendees engaged in in-depth discussions about the project’s objectives, strategies for collaboration, and mechanisms for effective implementation.

Speaking, CGE Africa’s Executive Director, Uchenna Idoko highlighted the initiative’s significance saying, “In Nigeria, women are integral to fish production, processing, and distribution, making significant contributions to wealth generation, ecosystem preservation, and community livelihoods.

“However, women remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles. Addressing these gaps is crucial to fostering climate resilience and driving the sector’s development.”

Also, participants at the meeting identified key measures to streamline the project’s implementation. A review team and a planning committee were established to guide the initiative’s activities and ensure alignment with its objectives. One of the project’s highlights was the 2025 Gender and Blue Economy Conference, where Project Fellows will present research papers aligned with the project’s goals.

They expressed optimism about the project’s transformative potential. With robust collaboration among academia, civil society, and industry stakeholders, the “Fostering Women’s Leadership in Fisheries and Aquaculture” initiative is poised to drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s fisheries sector, empowering women and building resilience against climate change.