Female labor in artisanal fishing: the community of Ilha do Beto, Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract

Female participation in fishing activity is an alternative livelihood, source of work and income for many families across the country. However, the role of women in this universe is, with some exceptions, characterized by invisibility and devaluation of their work, often understood as an extension of household chores and not as real fishing. But one group of fisherwomen in the community of Ilha do Beto, located in the municipality of Itaporanga D’Ajuda, Sergipe, Brazil are exceptions to this characterization. This article is a case study and aims at showing the different functions and characteristics of these women’s work in artisanal fisheries. The study is based on a qualitative approach. Oral history and aspects of ethnography are also part of the methods used. The preparation of this study showed us that the role played by these fisherwomen takes on a different meaning as they themselves acknowledge and recognize their contribution in the craft. Other surprising traits particular to the group were observed, for example the fishermen’s reliance on women to perform fishing activities and the lack of separate occupational responsibilities between genders, as demonstrated by women’s presence on the ships, working on the sea.

Keywords
Artisanal fishing; Women; Gender; Ilha do Beto