RS ED highlights importance of GESI in all CTI-CFF’s endeavours

29 November 2021 – CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Executive Director, Dr. Mohd Kushairi Mohd Rajuddin, highlighted CTI-CFF’s efforts in ensuring that gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are practiced and promoted in all facets of CTI-CFF initiatives during the virtual webinar on Gender and Labor in Fisheries: Women Work in Fisheries, Too! This webinar was organized by USAID/RDMA SUFIA-RTI, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), India, and the Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries Section of the Asian Fisheries Society.

“We believe that GESI mainstreaming improves livelihoods and social security and contributes to higher economic productivity and more efficient governance of marine resources,” Dr. Kushairi said.

He also shared the efforts of CTI-CFF through the Women Leaders Forum in developing a draft GESI Policy to provide direction for promoting and mainstreaming GESI in all activities among the six CTI-CFF member countries, strategic partners, and the Regional Secretariat. The GESI Policy is intended to address current gender inequalities, reduce disparities, and ensure equal opportunities, rights, and respect for all individuals regardless of gender or social identity in CTI-CFF areas.

Dr. Kushairi also mentioned that CTI-CFF is partnering with USAID SUFIA RTI through the Local Capacity Development Activity. Part of this initiative includes capacity building on GESI, as well as the development and dissemination of GESI-related information and communication materials.