Abstract
Fisherwomen constitute 47% of the total adult coastal and marine fishing populations India. They share major contribution in fishing of their families either directly or indirectly, especially in post-harvest and land based activities. They have also been involved in passive fishing such as sea weed gathering, mussel collection, and prawn capturing in near shore coastal ecosystems. The activities performed by fisherwomen in fishing are diverse and differs to those of men but significant for livelihood of their families. Fisherwomen activities amount high in the share of economic contribution to coastal fishing in India. The work performance of fisherwomen in fishing related activities are un-recognised or under recognised. Gender biased discrimination such as access to resources, control over family; consumption pattern and freedom for domestic expenditure are prevalent in their family and community. Gender mainstreaming activities of the Government are merely recognised by the fishing community. Gender inequality slows down the economic development and deepens poverty in fishing community. Inadequate recognition of fisherwomen’s contribution in fisheries shall hamper sustainable development process. 
 Gender equality is a basic of human right, and its achievement shall bring many long term positive changes in human development and socio-economic progress. A gender audit assesses the extent to which gender equality is effectively institutionalised in the policies, programmes, schemes and in the corresponding budgets. To measure the gender gap in coastal fisheries in India, Gender Inequality Index (GII) has been studied. Accordingly, GII in fisheries is 0.618, which is comparatively higher than that of National average (0.563). This paper discusses the gender gaps in fisheries and requisite gender mainstream activities for fisherwomen empowerment.
Highlights
Worldwide, about 180 million women are working on fisheries and aquaculture related activities (Bliege Bird, 2007)
Gender issues in fishing sector have been neglected for several reasons, including the following; (i) a belief of fishing and fisheries are the domain of men (ii) the concept of fisheries are limited to direct fishing activities (iii) the gender stereotype that of women as being physically weak and unsuited for the physical activities in fishing (iv) gender stereotype of fisherwomen are not technically minded (v) poor representation of fisherwomen in political, socio -economical employment in departments and academia (Nguyen Dang Hao, 2012)
Reproductive health has been placed as the first indicators to measure Gender Inequality Index (GII) since reproductive health accounts for the largest loss due to gender inequality
Summary
About 180 million women are working on fisheries and aquaculture related activities (Bliege Bird, 2007). Women in all parts of the world suffer violence and discrimination They are under-represented in political and economic decision-making processes. A gender audit assesses the extent to which gender equality is effectively institutionalized in the policies, programs, organisational structures, and proceedings (including decision-making processes) and the corresponding budgets. It evaluates whether the practice and systems for gender mainstreaming are effective and reinforce each other. To understand the role and status of gender in the coastal fishing community in India and to enhance fisherwomen equality, a study was conducted to estimate the gender gap and to access productive resources, services, health, education, participation in governance, and markets. The study finds the substantial gains that could be achieved by closing these gender gaps in the fishing community
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