"If we're going to change attitudes, it's necessary for both women and men to learn you can work in this industry regardless of gender," said Cecilie Myrseth, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
Photo: Norway Ministry of Industry and Fisheries.
Norway, and more specifically its Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Cecilie Myrseth, wants more women in the fishing industry. To achieve this, they will allocate nearly NOK 2 million (EUR 175,772 - USD 189,137) to gender equality.
The call for projects to support gender equality work in the fishing industry launched by the Norwegian Government in the autumn received a total of 19 applications. The Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans has announced now the 12 projects chosen to receive a total of NOK 1,943,000 (EUR 170,725 - USD 183,688) in funding.
The main objective of this investment is to increase the proportion of women in the sector. As mentioned by Minister Myrseth, "It's important for girls to have female role models showing this is a profession for them too." However, she has also emphasized that the projects selected are aimed at both women and men.
"It's important that the projects don't only target women. If we're going to change attitudes, it's necessary for both women and men to learn you can work in this industry regardless of gender," added the Labor Party Minister, who took over from Bjørnar Skjæran last October.
This is not the first time the Norwegian Government has supported fisherwomen's network projects, which are considered valuable for recruiting and retaining women fisherwomen. Organizations such as She Fishes, Havets Verdiskapere (Creators of Value from the Sea), or Nordkapp Regionens Næringshage (Nordkapp Region Business Park) have already received start-up grants, and are now getting more funding to continue their efforts.
"The Government has provided funding for the establishment of several networks for women in the fishing industry. They aim to increase recruitment and show the world that there are skilled female fishermen too. These networks are continuing their work; much good has been done, and it's important to support the good work they're doing," claimed the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
Likewise, Cecilie Myrseth also emphasized the importance of improving gender equality for activity in coastal communities. "If we're going to ensure activity and settlement in coastal communities, we need to work to ensure that both young women and men choose the sea as a career path," she stated.
To this end, Myrseth explained, in addition to gender equality work, the Government is also working on recruitment in various ways. As an example, the Minister mentioned youth fishing programs, teaching and apprentice quotas, youth supplements, and recruitment quota bonuses.
You can find out more about the 2024 supported projects by clicking here.