FAO supports implementation of the SSF Guidelines in Tanzania: meetings held to review the progress of the Tanzania Women Fish-workers Association and the National Task Team
©Lena Westlund
Kigoma, Tanzania | From November 4 to 7, the Tanzania Women Fish-workers Association (TAWFA) held its General Assembly in Kigoma, accompanied by a capacity-building workshop focused on gender equality. This was followed by a meeting of the National Task Team (NTT) on November 8. These events are part of the FAO’s efforts to support Tanzania in implementing the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). Tanzania is among the countries benefiting from the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) project titled “Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods - Phase 2”.
The meetings took place in Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika and included plenary presentations on the SSF Guidelines and on Tanzania’s National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), group discussions on challenges and action plans for the different TAWFA chapters and a field visit to the Katonga landing site. Participants included representatives from the different TAWFA water body chapters, community leaders, and fisheries officers, as well as representatives of academia, the NMB bank, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and FAO.
TAWFA members expressed enthusiasm for the association’s growth. Beatrice T. Mbaga, Chairperson of TAWFA, stated, "I am happy to see TAWFA here as it has been a long journey. We started at the national level, and thanks to the support from FAO and other ministries and institutions, we’ve now expanded to the regional level. Today’s session has strengthened our capacity, and we see great progress for tomorrow."
The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Edwin Mhede emphasized the economic impact of gender equality, noting that women’s contributions significantly support household incomes. "We will continue to put this women's agenda in the Fishing Sector as one of the areas we look at with an extra eye for its importance and we also admit that we have a responsibility to be in this because it is the way to raise the economy for women and the households they manage", he said during the opening remarks.
The meetings ended with a joint statement spelling out future actions. These included further capacity building for TAWFA members, enhancing fishing and fish processing techniques, and promoting gender equity and human rights. TAWFA would like to continue working with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, local governments, banks, and organizations like FAO, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and TNC.
Breaks in the more formal programme allowed for singing and dancing, keeping spirits high and creating an atmosphere full of energy and hope!
TAWFA
Based on a mapping exercise of women and non-state in the small-scale fisheries subsector, carried out by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF) and the National Task Team (NTT) for SSF Guidelines implementation, the Tanzania Women Fish-workers Association (TAWFA) was created in 2019. TAWFA is a national platform of women fish workers that seeks to strengthen women fish workers’ position and make their voices heard on matters that affect their interests as women in fish processing and trade.
 | Since its inception, TAWFA has developed regional chapters across Tanzania’s major water bodies, with ongoing capacity-building efforts supported by FAO, EMEDO, and other development partners. Ms. Mwajuma Abushiri Haji, a member of TAWFA’s Marine Chapter in the Tanga Region, shared her experience: “I as a young person (36 years) have achieved great success. I am now running a small fishing business and have had the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge. I now run a small fishing business, understand my rights, and feel empowered to pursue leadership roles. I am happy to be here to see the development of TAWFA as it is progressing well and successfully for small fisher women”
To ensure gender is given due attention and women are participating in decision-making processes at different levels, including policy and management, a Gender Desk was established at the ministry in 2020. For this initiative to be effective, it was realized that gender desks also need to be introduced at the local government level. The National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), signed in 2021, supports these efforts and with a view to further strengthening TAWFA and its collaboration with local level government structures. |
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