Statement on International Women’s Day 8 March 2021: Celebrating and empowering women to conserve our marine and coastal ecosystems

Press Statement

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2021

Statement on International Women's Day 8 March 2021:

Celebrating and empowering women to conserve our marine and coastal ecosystems

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) through the Regional Secretariat of CTI-CFF joins all nations in celebrating the International Women's Day.

At CTI-CFF, we believe that women play a major role in the better understanding, management and conservation of our marine and coastal ecosystems' invaluable resources. Women contribute in small-scale fisheries through post-harvest activities and in ensuring that their families and communities have access to food. Women leaders have emerged and continue to grow and contribute in marine conservation in the areas of research, public administration, advocacy and community development.

Through the Women Leaders' Forum, CTI-CFF has significantly built capacity and raise awareness among women to assist in addressing the challenges of marine conservation and in introducing sustainable development practices in communities.

Thus, despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19, CTI-CFF remains resolute in its efforts of ensuring that gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are practiced and promoted in all facets of CTI-CFF endeavors and initiatives. We believe that GESI mainstreaming improves livelihoods and social security and contributes to higher economic productivity and play an important part in the governance of marine resources.

Through the Women Leaders Forum, CTI-CFF has developed a draft GESI Policy to provide direction for promoting and mainstreaming GESI in all activities among CT6 member countries, strategic partners and the Regional Secretariat. The GESI Policy is intended to address the current gender inequalities, reduce disparities and ensure equal opportunities, rights and respect for all individual regardless of their gender and social identity in CTI-CFF areas.

We must continue to build sustainable mechanisms for women to contribute and continue to have a major role in the progress and development in their country.

- DR. MOHD KUSHAIRI MOHD RAJUDDIN

Executive Director, CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat

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