BIM WOMEN in SEAFOOD: Sea Stories
#seastoriesIWD18
BIM Women in Fisheries Network : Sea Stories is a podcast channel showcasing the voices and lives of women in the fisheries sector in Ireland.
“It’s a vital industry in a small village; from the knock-on effect to the local shops, to the local restaurants – they all benefit from the industry really”
– Monica Buckley, Union Hall, West Cork
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD18), BIM is proud to launch a series of audio stories of women working in fisheries in Ireland.
BIM has always supported the contribution that women make to the Irish seafood sector and recognises the role they can play in the management and day-to day running of fishing vessels, fish farms and processing companies.
“I think we have to find a way to get the industry out there – that people see it in a more positive light and they don’t see it as something that is taking but actually see it as something that is giving”
– Siobhan Faulkner, Clogherhead, Co. Louth
The Irish seafood sector continues to be an important economic driver in coastal communities throughout Ireland. Female participation in the Irish seafood sector is helping to diversify and develop the industry as a whole.
“I joined the coastguard – and just being there, to be able to respond to an incident, a call-out – it’s so rewarding”
– Trudy McIntyre, Dunmore East, Co Waterford
Women have a much undervalued role in the industry they invest in everyday.
“I know that my husband is doing what he loves; that he didn’t just fall into it because his family did it. I know that he gets great satisfaction from what he does – and he loves to see someone enjoy what he brings in”
– Catherine Moore, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, West Kerry
Women perform a myriad of roles in the seafood sector, from management at the upper levels of companies to the administration of fishing vessels or aquaculture ventures.They also provide emotional support to the fishermen and fish farmers on the water and families on shore. Additionally women volunteer in their local communities, activities that often go unsaid.
“We’re the people that head off to sea on a cold damp winter morning and don’t return for maybe several days or a week or two – so working at sea and living in the environment that fishermen work in is a very difficult place”
– Caitlín Uí Aodha, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Creating and supporting opportunities for women to amplify their voice, opinions and dreams for a viable future in the sector is a priority for BIM.
Share the conversation and the audio stories #seastoriesIWD18
To find out more about the Women in Fisheries Network visit www.bim.ie
“The people in the industry, to me, are so inspiring – and I find every day is interesting, every day is different”
– Norah Parke, Killybegs, Co. Donegal
BIM Women in Fisheries Network: Sea Stories – SoundCloud Playlist
music by Michael Gallen