Mainstreaming gender through Aquatourism venture: an assessment of impact of women SHGs in Kerala

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) made a study on gender mainstreaming and impact of Self Help Groups by mobilised women in Aquatourism venture in Narakkal and Malipuram in Vypeen Island in Ernakulam district of Kerala state. ‘Matsyafed’ of Kerala State Fisheries Department and Tsunami Emergency Assistance Program (TEAP) have organized these women SHGs for uplifting the life of Fisherfolk by enhancing Fish production Marketing, Technical support and Ecotourism. SHGs names as Souparnika in Narakkal and Vandanam in Malippuram are running the cafeteria which provides delicious homely meals and cooked fish items. The impact of SHGs on gender mainstreaming by assessing the equity and equality of men and women in these SHGs was assessed through gender analysis, performance level of SHG, Empowerment Index and economic feasibility analysis with socio economic surveys undertaken in the locality with a pre-tested and structured data gathering protocols consisting of standardized scales and indices. Empowerment Index was quantified based on 8 relevant dimensions constituting it. The male and female counterparts of the families were separately interviewed to assess the gender mainstreaming aspects in terms of equity and equality to access to resources, participation profile, decision making aspects, gender need analysis etc. Proper ‘training on technical matters’ and ‘marketing aspects’ were found to be inevitable for more desirable results. Female counterparts also do have a definite role in site selection, purchase of accessories, cooking, serving, cleaning, marketing etc. The Scales of ‘Performance Assessment’ and ‘Empowerment Index’ developed for this study have good potential for future use in other key areas on a sustainable basis. Lacunae identified in Empowerment Index computation give adequate feedback to authorities to proceed in the right direction. The gender dimension analysis on mainstreaming aspect gives sensitization on crucial issues like women fisher folk’s rights and marketing channels for policies and other interventions on gender. Inter relationships between the variables an act as catalytic points for group action and group empowerment on a sustainable basis. The success case study elucidated can be used as a case model and practical manual for promoting group action for mobilising SHGs on a sustainable basis