In the coastal communities of Jangamo, Mozambique, the marine space has long been dominated by men. Historically, women have not been involved in fishing, ecotourism, or swimming. This isn’t just a matter of career choices—it’s about access to education, safe water spaces, and healthcare. The reality is that many women and girls lack access to menstrual products compatible with swimming, a seemingly simple necessity that has profound consequences on their participation in marine activities.

Imagine, if you will, the ripple effect of this exclusion. Limited access to menstrual products, coupled with little formal education on sexual health means that young girls, when faced with their monthly periods, often opt to stay home from school and hold very little knowledge around contraception. Consequently, they miss out on weeks of education each year, falling significantly behind their male counterparts. Having sex out of wedlock is not taboo in Jangamo, but getting pregnant is. This means girls are having sex at a young age and getting pregnant, causing the average age of marriage in our area to be just 15 in women. Once you’re married, your responsibilities shift from education to home making. The repercussions are far reaching: with less education, women’s opportunities for employment and financial independence are severely limited, perpetuating a cycle of inequality that hampers their ability to make autonomous choices about their lives and creates a financial dependence on their spouse.

Love The Oceans is determined to change this narrative. As a women-led organisation, we are committed to promoting gender equity and empowering women in the marine space. Our Aquaculture project is a shining example of this commitment. Traditionally, the only area of the marine world women have been involved in has been harvesting natural mussels that grow on rocks as this doesn’t require swimming. Through our Aquaculture project, we are  taking this tradition one step further: we’re training 4 pioneering women in aquaculture farming for mussels and oysters. The goal? To provide them with alternative livelihoods and help them gain financial independence.

We recognise that access to the ocean is not just about economic opportunities—it’s also about safety and empowerment. That’s why the women participating in our Aquaculture project are also taught ocean safety and attend weekly swimming lessons. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the marine environment safely, we are opening up new possibilities and empowering them to take control of their lives.

It is no secret that female empowerment is a major tool in conservation. Amplifying voices of local women and creating a space for them at the table is key to creating a successful conservation strategy. We believe that women have a vital role to play in research and conservation efforts. That’s why we’re dedicated to training women in marine sciences and opening opportunities for them to take leadership roles in research. By amplifying women’s voices and perspectives, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment. Let us recognise the importance of creating opportunities for women in all sectors, including the marine space. And let us continue to work together to build a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. Join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable world, where women’s voices are heard and their contributions are valued.

Love The Oceans seek out passionate individuals within local communities in Mozambique and provide them with training and resources to protect their local ocean environment. We support Love The Oceans champions in Mozambique to become divers and ambassadors of the ocean, spreading awareness, implementing sustainable practices, and inspiring others to join the movement.