As the co-chair of the local Women's Fishing Committee in Mittériné, a village of about 12,000 people situated in the western province of Hadjer-Lamis, Zara and her fellow women aspire to a brighter future for themselves and their community. Their aspirations unfold amidst the daunting challenges of climate change and insecurity. Over the past half-century, the encroaching desertification has parched Lake Chad, while the early 2010s witnessed the intrusion of menacing armed groups like Boko Haram, casting an ominous shadow of fear and violence upon the region.
A Sustenance-Rich Lake
With the break of dawn painting the horizon of Lake Chad, Zara Abdoulaye boards the large dugout canoes characteristic of the region. Accompanied by the men and women of her village, she casts her nets into the depths of the lake. On this particular day, their efforts yield a bountiful harvest—several kilos of carp, Nile perch, and catfish. "I'm happy every time the catch is bountiful," Zara rejoices, with a gleam in her eye and a triumphant smile, joined by the jubilant chorus of her fellow fisherwomen, forming a resilient collective. "On my boat, I feel good. The lake is our source of sustenance. Before, it was almost impossible to fish due to the menacing presence of terrorist groups,” she adds.
After fishing, Zara and her group head to the market to sell their freshly caught fish. With the hard-earned proceeds, Zara provides for her family, including her own four children and five grandchildren.
"I feel a profound sense of respect and purpose within our community. The same sentiment resonates among all the women."
Zara Abdoulaye, Co-Chair of the local Women's Fishing Committee in Mittériné, Western Province of Hadjer-Lamis
However, Zara's trajectory toward becoming a fisherwoman was not always predestined. In times past, she was a rice and maize farmer, but a series of floods destroyed her farmland.
Empowering Women with the Support of UNDP
In the pursuit of daily survival for Zara and the communities residing along the shores of Lake Chad, fishing stands as an indispensable lifeline. Recognising the vital role of women in this domain, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has dedicated its efforts to uplifting and empowering these women who have long faced barriers in accessing this profession traditionally dominated by men. Since 2021, the institution has been supporting the group of fisherwomen that Zara co-chairs. "I was equipped with knowledge, I received training and equipment, which have transformed me into a seasoned fisherwoman,” she says. Among the UNDP's donations are "fishing inputs, such as environmentally friendly fishing hooks and nets, insulated fish storage boxes, canoes and a turbo engine for outboard motors," says Charles M'Back, head of the stabilization programme at UNDP Chad. Furthermore, the UNDP has also provided training to small-scale farmers on preserving the lake's ecosystem.
"These training initiatives have been extended to the security forces on human rights and the fight against gender-based violence. This has restored confidence and trust within the community."
Charles M'Back, Head of the Stabilization programme at UNDP Chad
This support from the UNDP has ignited a journey of empowerment for these women. With the proceeds from Zara’s successful fish sales, she has started a small retail business, specializing in agricultural and horticultural products, along with an array of spices. In addition, part of her savings allowed her to send her youngest daughter to school in the neighbouring village. "At UNDP, we recognise the pivotal role women play within marine environments and fishing economies, particularly in the artisanal and small-scale fishing sector, a role that has often gone unnoticed and unrecognized," says Charles M'Back. Undoubtedly, this role is gaining increasing recognition and importance within the community of Mittériné and along the shores of Lake Chad.
Zara Abdoulaye and her fellow fisherwomen understand that economic prosperity will inevitably be accompanied by peace. "Having a future is important for stability and security. It is through this that we can develop. The Sahel region holds so much potential, but without peace, none of this is possible," she concludes.
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