Kilifi:Stakeholders in the maritime sector are advocating for the comprehensive inclusion of women in blue economy initiatives to enhance the sector and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. This call was made during a workshop held at Mnarani Club in Kilifi County, which aimed to empower women involved in blue economy enterprises.
According to Kenya News Agency, the RESEA Project, led by Perpetua Angima, is focused on improving the economic status of women and youth in the coastal region. Angima highlighted the skills provided to women in entrepreneurship and communication, enabling them to advocate for their businesses and seek opportunities.
The project has benefited several women’s groups in Kilifi by offering economic investments, training, and participation in the blue economy. Beneficiaries underwent a four-month boot camp to learn about various aspects of the blue economy and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the program encourages women to adopt technology for marketing and selling their products.
Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule encouraged women to explore diverse income-generating activities and leverage their skills to establish sustainable businesses. She emphasized the need to include women in the value chain of activities such as fishing, food production, and processing, citing examples of women making fishing nets and recycling waste materials into products.
Chibule stressed the importance of empowering women through skills and economic opportunities, noting that not everyone can be employed by the government. She encouraged collaboration between men and women, emphasizing that empowered women contribute to the entire community.
The workshop gathered women engaged in blue economy enterprises and stakeholders who emphasized the need for ongoing support to help women expand their businesses and contribute to the local economy. Mariam Yusuf, a beneficiary from Sheila Pwani Women’s Group, shared how the RESEA project has supported their business through training, equipment, and financial management skills, positively impacting their hotel and the community.
Yusuf also noted that the program provided training on marketing, financial management, and overcoming challenges. Stakeholders believe that continuous support for women-led enterprises will create more opportunities and strengthen their role in the blue and circular economies.
The Regenerative Seascapes Project for Planet, Nature and People (RESEA) aims to boost climate and socio-economic resilience for 350,000 people in coastal communities across Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros, and Madagascar. The project is implemented by Mission Inclusion in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and supported by Global Affairs Canada.
