Empowering Fishmonger Women in Kisumu: A Call for Partners and Collaborators

Commonwealth Business Women Africa, in partnership with IOSH (Institute of Safety and Health), is currently conducting a needs assessment among women in the fisheries industry (fishmongers) in Kenya.

This is a pilot project and documentary that will be duplicated across the continent.

The fishmonger women are facing multiple social and economic challenges that CBWA is addressing. However, in addition, they are also facing health and safety challenges in their workplaces which IOSH will address.

Their eyesight is deteriorating as a result of being exposed to smoke, heat and boiling hot oils as they fry the fish. Additionally, they are sustaining injuries on their limbs, hands, and legs.

Eye injuries are also occurring due to the flaking of fish scales. The women are frequently suffering from pneumonia and lung-related diseases because of prolonged exposure to cold conditions, ice, water and the fish they handle throughout the day.

Their daily routine is extremely demanding, requiring them to wake up at 3 a.m. to go to the beach and gather fish.

Furthermore, the beach environment exposes them to sexual coercion and harassment from fishermen, which is a grave concern that we aim to eradicate.

We are issuing a call for partners and collaborators to join us in providing immediate assistance to these women. We are seeking basic interventions such as gumboots, gloves, protective eyewear, and group medical insurance coverage to ensure they receive prompt medical attention when necessary.

Tragically, during our last two visits, we have encountered instances of extreme distress among the women fishmongers. In one case, a woman took her own life, and in the latest visit, we were informed of the recent burial of another fishmonger. These unfortunate events were linked to pneumonia-related complications and mental health issues. The challenging work environment and the stress of fishing and selling their catch have contributed to rising mental health concerns, including suicide.

Hence, we implore potential partners and collaborators to support our efforts in any way possible to aid the fishmonger women in Kisumu. We are also seeking partners to provide small loans to bolster their businesses. Additionally, we are looking for support in training and capacity building. We aim to equip these women with skills to transform fish waste into pig feed and fish skin into fish leather.

They are looking for new markets for their fish, both fresh and fried and dried, and they are also looking for new markets for fish leather that they are going to be producing.