A new group that brings together women from across the fishing industry in Wales, highlighting their vital contribution, has launched
Facilitated by the Wales Seafood Cluster, Women In Welsh Fisheries (WIWF) has been established to enable women from the fishing industry to meet, share experiences and raise awareness of their work and lives within a safe and supportive forum.
The fishing industry is traditionally seen as a male-dominated profession. “Through our work with the Seafood Cluster, we became aware that we have a variety of women holding various jobs throughout the industry in Wales,” said North Wales Seafood Cluster manager Nia Griffith.
Interest and hunger
“We needed to ascertain whether there was an interest and hunger for this type of group as a place where like-minded women could have a chat and share experiences. It soon became apparent there was a lot of genuine interest among the cluster groups, and we are delighted that Women in Welsh Fisheries has become a reality,” she added.
Four work streams have been identified: creating a focus group; networking support; learning from best practice; and promoting WIWF and its activities to new members.
The virtual launch was chaired by Welsh Food and Drink Board member and North Wales Fine Food Cluster chair Alison Lea-Wilson of Halen Môn. Included in the event were presentations by Ashley Mullenger - who is also known as The Female Fisherman on social media - and Hannah Fennell, head of the Orkney Fisheries Association.
