Author(s): Atul Parmar, Shashi Parmar and Osin Koli

Abstract: Indian aquaculture, a global production powerhouse, is sustained by a substantial yet undervalued female workforce. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature to deconstruct the gendered dimensions of the sector, analysing the barriers that perpetuate inequality and envisioning pathways toward an equitable future. We find that women's contributions, concentrated in pre- and post-harvest activities, are largely informal, unremunerated, and rendered invisible in official statistics. The review identifies a triad of intersecting barriers: (i) socio-cultural constraints restricting mobility and voice; (ii) structural-economic obstacles, most critically the lack of land and asset ownership that prevents access to formal credit and technology; and (iii) policy-institutional gaps where gender-blindness prevails. Crucially, the analysis reveals that women possess unique, often unrecognised, ethno-biological knowledge related to seed selection and small-scale processing, which contributes to household nutrition and genetic diversity but is threatened by industrial homogenisation. However, the literature also highlights promising pathways for transformation. The proliferation of self-help groups (SHGs) and collectives has demonstrated success in enhancing women's bargaining power, access to resources, and entrepreneurial agency. We conclude that envisioning an equitable future requires a fundamental paradigm shift from viewing women as merely labor to recognising them as knowledge-holders, managers, and innovators. We recommend a multi-scalar approach: co-designing gender-responsive technologies, implementing gender-transformative policies like joint ownership mandates, and integrating women's traditional knowledge into formal aquaculture extension services. This review provides a consolidated evidence base for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to advance gender equality as a cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient Indian aquaculture sector.

DOI: 10.22271/27889289.2025.v5.i2d.218

Pages: 281-285 | Views: 79 | Downloads: 25

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