Role of formal aquaculture industry for empowering women: A study in the southern coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is a global leader in aquaculture as it proudly ranks fifth in production. In the country's southern coastal region, aquaculture is a key livelihood activity for both men and women. Participation in the formal aquaculture industry may have contributed to the improvement of physical health, the socioeconomic status of women, and the education-related skills of their children. Ongoing aquaculture projects in these coastal areas predominantly focus on skill development for women through various training programs, which can help enhance their work performance and promote sustainable livelihoods. This respective study deploys mixed-method research to investigate the role of the formal aquaculture industry in developing women in Satkhira, Bangladesh. Besides, it explores whether there is a relationship between women's involvement in the aquaculture sector and empowerment through multi-variant analysis. The findings show that both participation and engagement of women in the formal aquaculture industry are growing. Moreover, the involvement of women in the formal aquaculture industry has contributed significantly to women's empowerment by ensuring that all the indicators justify the development of women. Furthermore, the impact of the formal aquaculture industry on the progress of women has been evaluated with the empowerment of women to make strategic choices regarding household consumption along with the ability to invest in plans within the constraints of their earnings and the freedom to make economic decisions and exert some control over resources within their families. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these advancements, the formulation and implementation of targeted development policies for women aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 are essential to promote equal rights and opportunities for women in the sector.