Factors affecting women's participation in small-scale fisheries in Miagao, Iloilo

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries is considered as a source of income that contributes to food security and livelihood sustainability, especially in coastal communities. However, women who fish are marginalized due to traditional gender roles. Their contributions to fisheries are frequently overlooked in economic analysis, fisheries management, and policy decisions. Women also uniquely experience multiple burdens due to gender roles and social expectations. This study analyzed the factors affecting women's decision to participate in small-scale fishing in Miagao, Iloilo. The study used surveys and the data were analyzed through binary logistic regression. Results showed that age, educational attainment, marital status, family income, and husband's income were significant in predicting women's participation. Furthermore, women are given secondary, easier tasks than men, participating in fisheries impacts women’s economic contribution and empowerment, and women in this industry still allot time for reproductive work despite spending most of their time accomplishing productive work in small-scale fisheries.