Women at work in the seafood industry is the focus of an international video competition that’s now open for entries. The scope includes all segments of the industry – fishing on boats, fish farming, processing, selling, managing, research, monitoring, teaching and any related services.
It’s the second round for the contest that was launched last year by the Paris-based group Women in the Seafood Industry.
“Women are very numerous in the industry, but not very visible,” said Marie Christine Monfort, WSI president and co-founder.
Studies show that one in two workers in the seafood industry is a woman, but most are over-represented in low skilled, low paying positions. Montfort said women account for less than 10 percent of company directors and just 1 percent of CEOs.
A WSI international survey last year revealed that 61 percent of women reported perceptions of gender inequality in the seafood industry compared to 48 percent of men.
Raising awareness of gender biases is the first step towards making positive changes, Montfort said. And that is what the film contest is all about.
Last year’s winner showcased women who mend nets for a living in Vigo, Spain. Second place went to a film about California women who formed a clam farming cooperative. Tied for third place were films about female fishing mentors in Newfoundland and women in India who started food trucks to sell their husbands’ catches.
One entry from Alaska called "Copper River" featured veteran Cordova fisherman, Thea Thomas.
Individuals and groups are invited to contribute videos of up to four minutes showing women at work in the industry. Winners receive 1000 euros along with two 500 euro prizes. Deadline to enter is August 2. Learn more on the organization's website.
