On November 21-22, 2024, NOWA proudly participated in the FEAP General Assembly in Lisbon, a pivotal event for shaping the future of aquaculture. As a key representative for gender equality and youth engagement, NOWA joined forces with the Young Aquaculture Professionals Networks (YAPNs) to kickstart the NEXTGEN Fish Farmers Campaign, setting the stage for transformative capacity building and mentoring programs across Europe.
A pioneering role in the NEXTGEN initiative
Thematic discussions during the assembly focused on transferring the wealth of knowledge from seasoned professionals to the next generation of fish farmers.
NOWA co-founders Marilou SUC, Christina Zantioti, Ilaria Bellomo, and Garazi Rodríguez Valle presented NOWA’s mission and shared insights from our groundbreaking survey on gender and youth in aquaculture.
Key findings revealed:
Motivations for professionals entering aquaculture.
Challenges faced by women in the sector.
Skill development priorities and preferred training formats.
These insights provided a foundation for defining priorities for the NEXTGEN program, focusing on inclusivity and professional growth.
The workshop session, chaired by Mr. Serge Gomes, brought together FEAP members, YAPNs, and organizations like SEAentia and the Young Aquaculture Society (YAS).
This diverse group explored essential questions:
Which formats (mentoring, site visits, online sessions) are most effective for training?
How can we ensure inclusivity in selecting candidates, balancing age, gender, and language diversity?
What topics should the program prioritize to address real-world challenges in aquaculture?
NOWA’s multicultural and multidisciplinary approach was highlighted as a model for fostering collaboration and innovation in the sector.
Building the NEXTGEN Framework
During the interactive session, participants worked in teams to design a training and mentoring model for the NEXTGEN program. The outcomes included:
Proposals for mentorship programs, inspired by the success of Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WISA).
Recommendations for hybrid training methodologies, including online sessions, site visits, and hands-on fieldwork.
Strategies for engaging mentors from FEAP’s member associations to guide the next generation of fish farmers.
A milestone for NOWA
This assembly marked a significant milestone for NOWA. For the first time, all co-founders were reunited, exactly one year after the idea of creating a global women’s aquaculture network emerged.
Reflecting on our achievements:
📜 Establishing NOWA as a French association with international outreach.
🏆 Gaining recognition in innovation contests and global forums.
📈 Building a growing community with over 1,000 social media followers.
The journey doesn’t stop here. In December, NOWA will participate in the Regional Aquaculture Conference in Heraklion with GFCM/FAO, and in January 2025, we’ll officially open membership to the global aquaculture community.
The FEAP General Assembly underscored the importance of empowering women and youth to shape the future of aquaculture. As NOWA continues to advocate for inclusivity and professional development, we look forward to collaborating with FEAP, YAPNs, and other stakeholders to bring the NEXTGEN program to life.
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