This edition of the Gendered Voices Newsletter resonates with the celebration of World Oceans Day 2026 on 8 June. As the second installment in the 2026 series, it features the journeys of Kim Yip Tong, Aishah Fanchette, Marie Esteese Larose, Lana Barteneva-Vitry and Mélanie Ricot, five women engaged in the stewardship and restoration of marine ecosystems across Mauritius, Rodrigues and Seychelles. The work of these women in coral restoration, marine biology and advocacy, highlights the critical role women play in safeguarding ocean health. This role is particularly significant and relevant in small island states, where the ocean provides for livelihoods, food security, economic activities, and is part of the people’s identity, culture and ways of life. The stories of these five women also reflect the efforts of countless others across the region who remain equally committed to preserving ocean ecosystems.