On the shores of Adaut Village, Selaru District on the island of Tanimbar, Maluku, life follows the rhythm of the sea. Boats leave early in the morning; nets are prepared, and families depend on what the ocean provides for that day. Here, small-scale fisheries are not only a source of income—they are the foundations of daily life. Yet within this system, roles are often clearly divided. Men go to sea, while women remain largely behind the scenes, managing households and supporting fishing activities without formal recognition or economic agency. 

In a region where the poverty rate reached 23.38% in 2024, economic vulnerability remains a stark reality for many coastal households. For women, opportunities to participate in income‑generating work beyond domestic responsibilities are particularly limited. It is in this context that women empowerment becomes more than a gender issue. Rather, it becomes pathway toward building resilient coastal households and shaping future possibilities for the next generation.

Creating New Livelihood Opportunities Through SeaBLUE

The seaBLUE Project, implemented by UNDP Indonesia in partnership with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and funded by the Government of Japan, was one the answers to tackle the challenges. 150 fisherwomen in Morotai and Tanimbar have taken part in certified fisheries product diversification training. In Tanimbar alone, 90 women—including many from Adaut—joined the sessions.

Held consecutively in Selaru, North Tanimbar, and South Tanimbar during 29-30 October 2025, the training brought together fisherwomen from multiple villages, including Adaut. Facilitated by Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Extension and Development Agency or Badan Penyuluhan dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kelautan dan Perikanan (BPPSDM KP) Ambon, the sessions focused on processing locally available fish—particularly tuna, a common catch in Tanimbar that is typically sold fresh with limited added value.

Participants learned how to process fish into products such as kaki naga (fish nuggets), otak-otak, amplang (fish crackers), and fish chips, alongside basic packaging and storage practices.  These products were selected based on what is realistic in local conditions. Large pelagic and demersal fish are abundant around Larat, while essential ingredients are easily sourced from shops in Larat and Saumlaki. The processing methods introduced are simple, beginner‑friendly, and adapted to equipment commonly found in coastal households.

By strengthening post-harvest skills through practical and context-appropriate product choices, the training addressed a common challenge in small-scale fisheries—post-harvest losses and missed opportunities to extend the value of available fish resources.

A New Role at Home 

For Wati, a housewife in her fifties from a fishing household in Adaut Village, the training offered more than new recipes.  Before the training, Wati’s days revolved around household duties and supported her husband’s fishing activities. These were essential responsibilities, yet they rarely translated into a stronger voice in household decision‑making or economic planning.

The training introduced her to new skills and a different way of seeing her role within the household. Learning how to process fish into higher-value products expanded her understanding of how women can contribute more actively to household resilience, not only as caregivers but also as producers within the fisheries value chain.

“This training has shown me that tuna can be processed into many different types of food. I now understand how value addition can increase income and reduce waste,” said Wati during the last day of training.

As the training was conducted recently, Wati has not yet generated additional income from these activities. However, she has begun practicing what she learned at home—experimenting processing techniques and considering how these skills could be applied in the future. For her, the training marked an important first step toward greater confidence and readiness to engage in fisheries-related economic activities.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The impact of Wati’s participation extends beyond her own aspirations. Tate, her 24‑year‑old daughter, did not attend the training, but seeing her mother learn new skills made a strong impression.

“I was happy to see my mother join the training and become more skilled,” Tate shared. “She can now make different kinds of processed fish products.”

For Tate, this experience showed that women’s roles are not fixed. Learning, adapting, and planning are possible at any stage of life—and the choices made at home can influence how young women imagine their own paths forward.

Shaping More Inclusive Futures 

The impact of fisheries product diversification training under the seaBLUE Project extends beyond individual participants. By strengthening women’s capacity and confidence, the initiative contributes to more resilient households and opens space for intergenerational change.

In coastal communities like Adaut, empowering fisherwomen is not only about skills development. It is about expanding choices and providing alternative livelihood—within households, across generations, and along the fisheries value chain. Through small but meaningful shifts at the household level, women’s empowerment today can help shape more inclusive and sustainable coastal livelihoods for tomorrow.

Written by: Elizabeth Gabriela

Edited by: Anastasia Weningtias and Thomas Benmetan