When it comes to small-scale fisheries (SSF), women are essential. They process fish, market it, and run household economies, among other activities that add substantially to the SSF value chain. However, historically, their contributions have gone unappreciated and unreported, which has resulted in their marginalisation in the governance and policies surrounding fisheries. This assessment looks at the various responsibilities that women play in SSF, ranging from managing household finances to post-harvest tasks, and it also looks at the gender-specific obstacles that women encounter, such as having less access to platforms for decision-making and resources and training. The study also emphasises the importance of women contributing to food security and community livelihoods, highlighting their role in maintaining home nutrition and economic stability. Women continue to be under-represented in fishery governance systems despite their crucial engagement. According to the study, policies should be gender-responsive to recognise the contributions made by women, improve their access to resources, and guarantee their participation in decision-making. These gaps must be filled to improve overall fisheries management, empower women, and maintain the sustainability of SSF. Policy recommendations for advancing gender-inclusive fisheries development, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing food security are included in the review's conclusion

Small-scale fisheries, women empowerment, policy, food security, livelihood

Though they play a crucial role in small-scale fishing, women's contributions to policy and governance are frequently underestimated and ignored. A comprehensive strategy that incorporates gender-responsive policies, enhanced resource accessibility, and more representation in decision-making is needed to address the issues that women in SSF confront. Women's empowerment in the fishing industry can improve small-scale fisheries sustainability and advance the more general objectives of food security and economic resilience. To better understand the roles played by women in SSF in different regions and to create interventions that are specifically suited to meet their needs, more research is required

Shahid Gul, Shakir Ahmad Mir, Gowhar Iqbal, Haziq Qayoom lone and Uzair Shafiq (2024). The Role of Women in Small-Scale Fisheries: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 15(2): 26–28