Fisherwomen take the spotlight in Croatia's Split
The photographic exhibition "Invisible Strength in Fisheries" by internationally acclaimed photographer Ivana Vareško, showcasing women for whom fishing is not just a livelihood, but a way of life, opens at Split's fish market.
WWF Adria, the organiser of the exhibition and accompanying event, says that traditional fishing has long been viewed as a male-dominated occupation, even though women play a vital yet less visible role in the sector. From preparing fishing gear to processing and selling fish, women are involved in every aspect of the industry, CE Report quotes HINA.
In addition, they provide indispensable logistical and administrative support to male family members who are out at sea. While this type of support is formally recognised in some European countries, it remains largely overlooked and undervalued in Croatia, WWF noted.
For the first time in Split, the event has brought together women working in fisheries from across the Mediterranean – including Croatia, Tunisia, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy and other countries – united by the fact that fishing is not just their job, but their calling.
On 7 and 8 April, these women will share their personal stories and experiences at the "Women in Fisheries" conference, in an effort to encourage and support one another, as well as to raise recognition of their contribution to the sector.
"Despite the important role women play in fisheries, their voices are still rarely heard. They are seldom consulted when decisions are made. That is why WWF has brought together women from across the Mediterranean so they can connect and empower one another. We believe this experience is important not only for their own future, but for the future of sustainable fishing as a whole," said Kora Dvorski of WWF Adria.
As part of the conference, the exhibition "Invisible Strength in Fisheries" will focus on the role of women in the industry. The exhibition’s author, Ivana Vareško, is a globally recognised documentary photographer whose work has been published in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and elsewhere.
She photographed fisherwomen in their natural environment, capturing the beauty of an activity that goes beyond mere work, because they see it as a calling.
