UK Women In Fisheries - New Years Resolution
Lets stop sending the message that women’s experiences are important enough to ask for, but not valuable enough to pay for.
As we look ahead to 2025, UK Women in Fisheries is sharpening our focus on one powerful resolution: advocating for the recognition and fair compensation of women’s time, expertise, and experiences in the fisheries industry.
Over the past year, our network has been approached time and again to participate in research studies, meetings, workshops, and policy consultations. These projects often rely on the voices of women in fishing—their lived experiences, expert knowledge, and emotive stories—to gather insights, influence outcomes, and create change. It is encouraging to see growing interest in women’s contributions to this sector, and we appreciate those seeking to amplify our voices.
But here’s the reality: far too often, women are asked to do this for free.
These requests might appear small at first: share your story, attend a focus group, contribute to a consultation—all for the “greatest good” or to ensure your perspectives are included. While the intent might be positive, the underlying issue is this: when women are asked to give their time and expertise without compensation, we are failing to value them. In essence, this is unpaid consultancy work—and we have to ask, how can we hope to elevate the profession, close gender pay gaps, and bring equity to the sector if we don’t stand up for what is right?
Why Does This Matter?
Time is a finite resource, and for women across the fishing industry—whether on boats, in processing facilities, running businesses, or balancing family life—time is often stretched thin. Asking women to contribute for free assumes their expertise is somehow less valuable than that of others who, in similar roles or sectors, are paid for their insight.
More importantly, we must question how “free” contributions perpetuate structural imbalances. It undermines professional progress and reinforces gender inequality, sending the message that women’s experiences are important enough to ask for, but not valuable enough to pay for.
At UK Women in Fisheries, we believe:
Women’s knowledge and time hold value and should be compensated fairly.
If we want policy, research, or projects to genuinely reflect women’s experiences, then investment must be made in securing those contributions.
Everybody benefits when women can contribute and be heard.
The burden of solving systemic issues around lack of diversity and inclusion should not solely lie with minority groups.
Advocating for fairness in these asks is a step towards equality across our sector.
What’s Next in 2025?
In the new year, UK WIF commits to standing stronger for our global members and supporters:
We will challenge organisations and projects that expect women to contribute for free. We’ll ask for compensation for our members when women are asked to provide expertise.
We will educate partners and collaborators about why this matters, opening up conversations on fairness, representation, and economic equity.
Compensation doesn’t always have to be financial. Policy influence, meaningful change, or skills and knowledge exchange can also provide immense value— anything could be offered to make contributions worthwhile. Alternatives that offer immediate impact such as access to experts, mentoring opportunities, or opening direct pathways to personal/professional career development will be embraced.
We are not alone in this. Across industries, there’s an increasing awareness of the value of women’s perspectives, work, and ideas—but we (and many other minorities) are still being asked to work for free.
To the women in our network: your voices are powerful. Your stories are invaluable. And your time has worth. Together, let’s make 2025 the year we commit to no longer giving it away for free.
If you’ve faced requests like these, or if you want to share your thoughts on how we advocate for fairness in this area, we want to hear from you. Let’s start the conversation and lead by example.
UK Women in Fisheries will always champion women supporting each other. We recognise there are a number of situations when financial compensation may not be appropriate or possible, but providing resources to women free of charge is for the greater good.UK WIF is proud to offer free membership