APEC Workshop Unites Experts to Celebrate Women’s Role in Marine Culture- Inaugural Event Highlights Sea Women Tradition and Economic Empowerment in Magang Fishing Village
Hosted by the Ocean Affairs Council, the APEC Workshop on Fostering Women’s Economic Empowerment for a Resilient Marine Industry kicked off today (May 6) at the Fulong Visitor Center in New Taipei City. Over two days, government officials, experts, scholars, and representatives from non-profit organizations from nine APEC member economies, including Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Taiwan, gathered for discussions. The workshop, held in a “learning by walking” format, encouraged participants to engage in practical experiences to explore the role of women in the marine industry and discuss ways to enhance female participation through capacity building and the importance of establishing networks and connections among women.
The first day of the workshop commenced in Magang Fishing Village, the easternmost point of Taiwan’s main island. On behalf of the host, Dr. Hsiang-Wen Huang, Director-General of the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, delivered the welcome remarks, and participants enjoyed the “seaweed jelly drinks” together before experiencing Sea Women gatherings in the intertidal zone. They learned about the traditional wisdom of Sea Women in marine activities. For lunch, Sea Women used local networks and cooperative sharing methods to prepare dishes using locally harvested ingredients. This allowed guests to immerse themselves in the authentic culinary experience of Magang.
During the afternoon session, Dr. Wen-Ling Hong, Deputy Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, emphasized the shared vision of APEC member economies in promoting women’s empowerment and achieving gender equality in the ocean-related sector. This workshop marked the second initiative by the Ocean Affairs Council to promote female participation in the ocean-related sector within the APEC framework. Through exchanges, participants aimed to facilitate dialogues across sectors and explore how women in marine cultures can create inclusive environments through capacity building and network building.
The theme of the first day’s workshop was “Women in Marine Culture,” featuring presentations by researchers from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan on Sea Women culture. Assistant Professor Sa-Na Ho from Soochow University in Taiwan explained how Taiwanese Sea Women construct community resilience through female networks. Professor Chul-In Yoo from Jeju National University in Korea shared the experience of inscribing Jeju Island’s Haenyeo (Sea Women) culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Dr. Mai Yoshimura from Nagoya University in Japan provided insights into the current state of Ama (Sea Women) in Japan, including the declining number of Sea Women and their collaborative work practices. This session, witnessed by domestic and international participants, marked a historic moment of exchange among researchers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan regarding Sea Women’s culture.
In addition to expert short talks, participants engaged in group discussions to explore forward-looking issues, including the protection and innovation of Sea Women’s culture and the establishment of women’s communities and networks in marine culture and fisheries. Domestic and international guests recognized Sea Women as a profession and an integral part of a way of life deeply connected to the ocean. Despite cultural differences, Sea Women communities share a common wisdom of mutual assistance and coexistence with the ocean. With their unique diving abilities, Sea Women serve as frontline observers of changes in the marine environment, advocating for marine conservation.
The first day of the workshop concluded with an intertidal zone dinner, emphasizing the importance of environmental friendliness and sustainable development through the selection of seasonal ingredients and the reduction of food carbon footprint.
Sources: Ocean Affairs Council
