Overview
This project seeks to integrate gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, mitigation, and response into the establishment and governance of Ghana’s first marine protected area (MPA) in the Greater Cape Three Points Area. Working across 11 coastal communities, the initiative will equip environmental practitioners, empower women, and engage men to create safer and more inclusive fisheries governance. The approach also combines risk mitigation planning, women’s leadership development, economic empowerment, and the strengthening of GBV referral systems to address gender-based violence in the fisheries sector in Western Ghana.
Objective
Strengthened resilience and reduced vulnerability to gender-based violence among women and at-risk groups in MPA communities by fostering inclusive governance, gender responsive risk mitigation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Planned Reach
The project aims to directly reach 3,000 community members (2,000 women, 1,000 men) employed in the fisheries value chain in the prospective MPA communities. Indirectly, the project aims to reach about 12,000 people, including family members and other community stakeholders who will benefit from improved socioeconomic conditions and a safer, more equitable environment.
Situational background
Women represent over 50% of the fisheries workforce in Ghana’s Western Region, yet they are disproportionately at increased risk of gender-based violence, limited economic opportunities, and underrepresentation in decision-making in the fisheries sector. The depletion of fish stocks—driven by overfishing and environmental degradation—has worsened socioeconomic pressures, particularly for women and girls in post-harvest roles who lack influence over resource management.
As Ghana shifts to marine protected areas (MPAs) to conserve fish stocks, restricted access to fishing grounds increases threats to livelihoods, deepens inequalities, and may heighten risks of intimate partner violence, economic coercion, and exploitation, especially for women and girls engaged in fish trading and processing. These vulnerabilities are further compounded by harmful gender norms and weak community safety structures.
Project Approach
Hen Mpoano, in partnership with Ark Foundation and Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA), will integrate gender-based violence (GBV) considerations into area-based fisheries management across 11 prospective marine protected area (MPA) communities in the Greater Cape Three Points Area (GCTPA). The project will support the development and implementation of community-led risk mitigation and safety action plans. The project will also focus on raising awareness of GBV in MPA contexts, strengthening women’s leadership and economic empowerment, and engaging men as allies to advance women’s economic agency and promote accountability in fisheries management. Finally, the project will also establish community-based safe spaces, improve referral pathways, and strengthen coordination among local service providers. Together, these strategies aim to address GBV risks while promoting gender-equitable and resilient fisheries governance.
