NOWA Announces New Collaboration with ASSOITTICA under FAO Framework.

We are pleased to share that NOWA – Network of Women in Aquaculture has entered into a new collaboration with ASSOITTICA, within the framework of an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

This partnership contributes to a broader initiative aimed at advancing gender equality in aquaculture, in line with the FAO’s evolving priorities and the Gender Equality Roadmap for Aquaculture (2025–2030). Women play a critical yet often underrecognized role across aquaculture value chains, from production to processing and marketing, while continuing to face barriers in access to resources, representation, and leadership opportunities . The collaboration also comes at a significant moment: the United Nations, through FAO, has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). This global initiative aims to recognize the vital contributions of women in agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture, while promoting policies and actions that enhance their empowerment, visibility, and equal participation across food systems.

Within this collaboration, NOWA will act as a technical partner, supporting stakeholder engagement and contributing its expertise in ecosystem mapping and international network mobilization. Our work will focus on identifying and engaging women’s aquaculture organizations, facilitating their participation in consultations, and providing qualitative insights to inform a gender-responsive mapping methodology.

In addition, NOWA will contribute feedback on analytical outputs and participate as a recognized project partner in upcoming events, including activities linked to the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the visibility, voice, and impact of women in aquaculture globally. By working together with partners such as ASSOITTICA and FAO, we aim to support more inclusive and equitable sector development grounded in evidence and collaboration.

We look forward to sharing further updates as this work progresses.