ABALOBI developed a basic training programme to unlock entrepreneurship in fisherwomen.

Empowering Fisherwomen

The course was piloted in Arnison, a town where no commerce is allowed apart from the hotel. Jobs are scarce, making the unlocking of local social entrepreneurship crucial. The community had been significantly impacted by the pandemic, poor fishing income, and the absence of tourist trade. The aim of the training course was to increase livelihood opportunities, empower women, and provide hope to this marginalized community.

The first engagement took place on 18 October 2022, with the primary objective of building trust and buy-in from the community, understanding their current skill levels, and introducing foundational concepts for the remaining five modules. The women were enthusiastic and eager to learn, readily participating, sharing their ideas, and asking questions.

The topics covered during the training sessions included business basics, product design, hygiene and food safety, quality control, understanding one’s target audience, and creating a business plan.

Takeaways

The program not only empowered the women but also fostered hope within their community. It enables them to provide for their families, creating positive impacts in their small community. Their families and the youth around them see their vision growing and their entrepreneurial efforts achieving milestones.