Kwale women expose sexual exploitation in exchange for fish

By Caroline Katana

As Kwale County observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, women in the fisheries sector are speaking out about sexual exploitation, digital harassment, and the hidden challenges they face while trying to earn a living from fishing. 

Civil society organizations and county officials are joining forces to demand protection, support, and justice for these vulnerable workers.

Stakeholders have raised serious concerns over growing cases of sexual exploitation and digital abuse affecting women working in the fisheries sector, as Kwale joined the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The launch took place at Mtaa Primary School in Kasemeni Ward, bringing together civil society organizations, county officials, community leaders, and fisherfolk representatives to highlight the challenges women face while trying to earn a living from fisheries.

Fisheries Sector Under Scrutiny

Ann Wahinya from Global Trauma Project said their ongoing initiative, Safety for Women in Fisheries, focuses on identifying and addressing gender-based violence across the fisheries value chain.

 “Technology is increasingly being used to fuel gender-based violence, and today we are exploring ways to counter it,” she said during the launch.

Ann Wahinya from Global Trauma Project

She cited statistics showing that 13.5% of women in fisheries have experienced physical violence, while between 16% and 58% of women worldwide face digital violence   including cyberbullying, stalking, identity theft, and online fraud.

The project is being implemented in Lungalunga Sub-county, where seven Beach Management Units (BMUs) operate. It targets 500 women and 300 men, aiming to create safer and more inclusive working environments.

Wahinya added that the initiative is funded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and involves close collaboration with the Kwale County Department of Health to train community mental health workers, who will be integrated into the local primary healthcare system.

 “We aim to work with the county government so that community mental health workers are incorporated into the primary health care system to continue this work,” said Wahinya.

Sexual Exploitation for Access to Fish

According to Mwanatum Kadau, Director of the Grassroots Women’s Rights Centre, many women traders are forced to engage in sexual relationships with fishermen to access fish for their businesses.

 “Some women are denied fish unless they agree to sexual demands. They struggle to sustain their businesses because they refuse to compromise their dignity,” she said.

Grassroots Women’s Rights Centre director, Mwanatum Kadau 

Kadau added that even women who own boats and fishing gear are sometimes sidelined if they reject sexual advances.

“They invest in boats, nets, and generators, but their equipment remains unused because they refuse to give in. This leads to emotional stress, financial loss, and sometimes, broken families,” she said.

She urged local leaders and women in positions of influence to engage directly with affected traders and create safe platforms for reporting exploitation without fear of stigma.

Digital Violence & Mental Health

Another partner organization in the project, Akili Mali Associate, emphasized the growing impact of online harassment.

Executive Director Mwanahamisi Bakari Suleiman said many survivors find it difficult to share their experiences in person and often turn to social media for support, where they face both comfort and cruelty.

 “Some people post online hoping for empathy, but negative comments push them further into isolation,

Our organization offers trauma healing sessions and psychosocial support, ensuring confidentiality and a safe space for recovery.”

She highlighted that mental health challenges are rising, and that one in four family members may have a member silently struggling with mental illness. 

Akili Mali Associate Executive Director, Mwanahamisi Bakari Suleiman 

County Government Responds

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani commended the organizations for their efforts and encouraged residents to speak openly about GBV, including cases of sexual exploitation and online abuse.

 “Some forms of violence are never mentioned, yet they affect lives every day. We must talk about them openly and follow correct procedures when incidents occur,” she said.

The governor also emphasized that survivors of sexual violence can access treatment and free P3 forms at county health facilities.

She also condemned online harassment, saying even leaders are not spared.

“You may leave here and find someone insulting the governor online without reason. We must fight such abuse. Even I experience it,” she said.

Let us not mistreat anyone and kindly, don’t mistreat me by denying me your votes in 2027,” she added humorously.