A result-sharing workshop was recently held at MSSRF, Taramani, Chennai, to present the outcomes of the Women Connect Challenge (WCC) project, implemented in collaboration with Reliance Foundation. This initiative aimed to bridge the digital divide in post-harvest fisheries and empower fisherwomen with ICT innovations.

MSSRF’s Fish for All Research and Training Centre, Poompuhar, has been working towards the sustainable economic development of fishing communities since 2009. Through various training programs and capacity-building efforts, the center has played a key role in strengthening the livelihoods of fisherfolk, particularly women engaged in fish marketing, dry fish production, and fish processing. However, many fisherwomen still face limited access to digital tools, market information, and financial resources, making it difficult for them to thrive in the evolving fisheries sector.

Project Implementation & Key Achievements

Recognizing these challenges, MSSRF’s proposal was selected under Women Connect Challenge India (Round Two) by Reliance Foundation. Over the 20-month project duration, targeted interventions were introduced across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to enhance fisherwomen’s digital literacy, post-harvest skills, and market linkages.

6,047 fisherwomen trained in basic digital literacy, including smartphone usage for business, online transactions, and cyber safety.
1,200 fisherwomen equipped with post-harvest fisheries skills, such as hygienic fish processing, value addition, and digital marketing.
Post-Harvest Helpline & Audio Advisory Services launched to provide daily market price updates, quality control tips, and regulatory information.
50 tablets distributed to 50 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to facilitate digital learning and business management.
Development of “Fisherwomen Connect” Mobile App, offering market price updates, an online marketplace, weather forecasts, and training modules.

Result-Sharing Workshop Highlights

The workshop brought together government officials, fisheries experts, and digital inclusion advocates to discuss project outcomes and future strategies. Notable speakers included:
Ms. Deepti Nukalapati, Head of Women’s Empowerment, Reliance Foundation
Ms. Sharmila, Joint Director, Tamil Nadu Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department
Mr. Manikandan IAS, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of Puducherry (joined online)

Ms. Sharmila emphasized government schemes supporting fisherwomen, while Mr. Manikandan IAS addressed the unique challenges faced in Puducherry’s fisheries sector.

Key Takeaways & Closing Remarks

In her keynote address, Ms. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF, highlighted how the project’s success stemmed from its deep understanding of fisherwomen’s needs. She recalled Dr. M. S. Swaminathan’s belief that women adopt technology faster than men, reinforcing the importance of digital inclusion.

To commemorate the project’s impact:
A short documentary capturing the 20-month journey was screened.
A booklet detailing project learnings was released.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to empowering fisherwomen through technology, market access, and financial inclusion, ensuring their continued growth in the post-harvest fisheries sector.