Edging Up the Ladder: The Women in Ban Thung Maha, Thailand

This paper provides an insight into fisheries conditions for women in Ban Thung Maha, Thailand, a typical coastal fishing community. The studied women made significant contributions through their multiple activities in both the reproductive and productive spheres. Gender inequality was prevalent in the village and manifested in gender divisions of labour, differential access to and control over resources, and access to political and administrative decisionmaking. The stories of five women showed their struggles against gender stereotyping, marginalization, multiple burdens, subordination and violence against them and their efforts to reverse the trends. With support from the Department of Fisheries, some of them learned to empower themselves, set their lives’ directions and help to also empower others.