The changing role of women in fishing communities’ conference

This EU-funded conference is being held on 22nd and 23rd June in Peterhead, Scotland and is open to delegates from countries around the North Sea, and other EU Member States. If you have an interest in the vital and often unrecognised role that women play in fishing communities, then this is an important date for your diary.

The project funding is providing meals and accommodation for all delegates, leaving only travel to be paid for.

Over the two days of 22nd and 23rd June, through a series of expert talks and workshop sessions, the conference will explore and discuss the following:

· The changing role of women in fishing and rural communities - how they have adjusted to upheaval in the fishing industry; how they see their future roles; and the training and education that will be needed to help them perform in those changing roles.

· The need for a North Sea Women’s Network - to facilitate exchange of experience, whether life or work; to link with existing EU Networks; and with a long-term aim of forming a European Federation of Women in Fishing Communities.

· The need for representation on the North Sea Regional Advisory Council – thus ensuring the needs of women in fishing communities are heard and considered.

· The development of a North Sea Women’s Network Web Page – giving instant access to news, views and opinions on matters of direct interest and importance to women in fishing communities.

Workshops will address the themes of managing change, addressing change through education and training, the common issues and solutions in fishing and farming, and the benefits and business opportunities to be gained from networking.

Following a keynote speech by Madame Verstraete, Director of Structural Policy at DG Fish, speakers from France, Holland, Norway, UK and Ireland will talk about women’s roles and experiences from the past to the present, and their hopes and aspirations for the future of the industry, the future of their communities, and the vital roles they will play.

Conference registration forms are available from info@cribroch.co.uk or by calling
01771 623770.

21 June 2004