Gender Roles in Fisheries along the Vembanad Estuarine System

Abstract

The Vembanad estuarine system situated in the state of Kerala, India, is one of the largest on the West Coast of India. Spread across the districts of Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kottayam, it is rich in aquatic bio-diversity. The estuarine system serves as a source of livelihood for the inland fishing community. About half the total fisherman population of more than 200 thousand in the inland sector in Kerala is concentrated in these three districts. This paper tries to document the fishing methods and tries to understand the challenges faced by women in fisheries whose fishing activities are confined to the inland water bodies. Women carry out fishing activities in the kol lands which are fed by the estuarine system of the Vembanad Lake. Traditional techniques are used and the activity tends to provide a better living than the subsistence level. This involvement is declining with the younger generation showing no interest in carrying the activity forward. Drudgery and legal issues with respect to rights to fishing in these waters are recurring concerns.