Professor of Fisheries Economics and International Marine Policy at the Department of Fisheries, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Ondo State, Funmilola Agbebi, has called for the inclusion of female gender in marine and blue economy.
   
Agbebi, in a lecture titled: ‘Is it a Man’s World?: Interrogating the Blue Economy Through the Gender Lens,’ during the fourth inaugural lecture of the institution, emphasised the importance of bridging the gender gap in the marine economy.
   
While stressing that girls and women should be encouraged to pursue education and training in marine science, maritime engineering, and other related fields, she stated that with the necessary skills and knowledge, they would hatch successful careers in the maritime world.
   
Agbebi said women’s representation in the sector has been disproportionately low compared to men, adding that the blue economy, which encompasses a wide range of activities such as fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism, holds immense potential for economic growth and sustainable development.
   
She said: The blue economy, like many other industries, has traditionally been dominated by men. However, when viewed through a gender lens, it is evident that women need to play a crucial role in the sustainable development of ocean resources.
 
 “The significant barriers like limited access to finance, education, technology, training, social and cultural norms, and their participation need to be promptly addressed.”