Gendered Spaces in Abalone Fisheries in the Philippines

This paper analysed the social, economic and ecosystem conditions of abalone fishing in seven abalone-producing provinces in the Philippines. In the province of Iloilo, a closer examination of how these factors shaped patterns of resource access, control and benefits by women and men vis-à-vis their roles in production, reproduction and in the community was done. A survey of abalone collectors/divers was conducted in April-May 2013. Of the 153 abalone collectors/divers surveyed, 87% were males and only 13% were females; almost all of the women were from Iloilo. Gleaning in tidal flats was usually undertaken by women while skin diving in deeper parts of the sea was performed only by men. On average, abalone fishing contributed 56% to the total household income. Social norms reinforced by ecosystem conditions and geographic locations influenced gender roles and relations of men and women. Men had greater access and control over abalone fisheries. Women’s access and control were constrained by the location of the resource and access to it, religion and household responsibilities. There is a need, however, to recognize the complementation of the roles of men and women in abalone fisheries, in the home and in the community as starting point towards more judicious management of abalone fisheries.