
About Us
NOWA - Network Of Women in Aquaculture is a dedicated network for gender equality and sustainability in aquaculture.
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Our focus aligns with 5 key Sustainable Development Goals: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Climate Action and Life Below Water
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We provide a platform for women in the aquaculture industry to connect, collaborate, and empower each other. Our network aims to create a supportive community that encourages the participation and leadership of women in aquaculture, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive industry.
Empowering Women for Sustainable and Inclusive Aquaculture
Our Mission
At NOWA - Network Of Women in Aquaculture, our mission is to promote gender equality and environmental sustainability in the aquaculture sector. We strive to empower women by providing opportunities for skill development, knowledge sharing, and leadership training. By fostering a supportive network, we aim to create a more inclusive and diverse aquaculture community that values the contributions of women.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a future where women play a leading role in driving positive change in aquaculture, contributing to healthy marine ecosystems and food security. We envision a world where women have equal access to resources, representation in decision-making processes, and are recognized as key stakeholders in the sustainable development of aquaculture.
NOWA's Genesis

The birth of NOWA: a collaborative effort for change
NOWA's journey began in June 2023 during a transformative training session in Athens, facilitated by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) along with its Resolution GFCM/45/2022/1 on empowering women in aquaculture.
This pivotal event brought together eleven women from diverse backgrounds—students, researchers, and entrepreneurs—all driven by a shared commitment to sustainable aquaculture. Under the expert guidance of these leading international organizations, the participants recognized a significant gap in the industry: the need for a dedicated network to support and empower women in aquaculture.
This realization laid the foundation for NOWA, aimed at bridging these gaps by providing a global platform for support, training, and advocacy, transforming the aquaculture industry from within.
Board of NOWA
The founding members of NOWA are a group of inspiring women, each a leader in her own right, representing the diverse sectors of aquaculture and fisheries across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
These women bring together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to drive the mission of NOWA.