Awareness and Utilization of Federal & State Government Fisherwomen Empowerment Schemes - A Study in Coastal Villages of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

There is an increasing recognition of women's role in fisheries, but this has not translated into equal representation of women in management and policy.  Fisherwomen remain under-studied and under-recognized in marine resource management.  Conservation and fisheries management programmes are biased because of a lack of understanding of women's role in fisheries policy-making.  The purpose of this study is to examine the various policies, programmes, and schemes that have been implemented by both the Central and State governments of Andhra Pradesh in support of empowerment of fisherwomen.  The study evaluated existing policies and schemes and their utilization by fisherwomen to determine whether they helped to empower fisherwomen. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting policy gaps in favor of economic growth but without considering the needs of fisherwomen.  Thus, providing suggestions and recommendations for forming and implementing policies and schemes for fisherwomen.