Breaking the Silence: The Impact of Sex for Fish on Women's Access to Fish
In 2017, Malawi approved a revised Natural Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy to mitigate gender issues in fishing, including awareness campaigns.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi - In Malawi's remote fishing villages along the shores of Lake Malawi, female traders and processors often allegedly resort to having sex with male boat owners and fishermen to access catches from the lake, writes Tionge Hara.
The practice, known as “sex for fish,” leaves women vulnerable to sexual exploitation and poses threats like HIV and unintended pregnancy.
But amid cultural taboos, many women stay silent, seeing no recourse. Advocates say breaking this silence is key to empowering women against a problem driven by poverty.
As these women struggle to navigate the harsh realities of their profession, they face not only the physical and emotional burden of the disease, but also societal barriers that prevent them from seeking help.
Suzen Maluwa, 43, from Traditional Authority Fukamalaza, Beach Village Committee [BVC] Kawanga in Nkhata Bay district has her own story.
"As women we come across a lot of gender-based violence and also sexual assaults due to poverty," Maluwa said Wednesday during a media tour organized by PACT-Malawi.
"As women we are forced into sleeping with fishermen due to lack of resources and also to have space to order some fish from them. For you to be favored you are forced to sleep with them hence the high levels of sexuality.”
Maluwa also mentioned that other women fail to report to authorities and "chose to suffer in silence" because of lack of knowledge.
However, Andrew Kamanga, 57, of Thuli Group village head in the same area, who is a fisherman, denied the accusations.
"It is not very common here because of the shortage of fish in our lake, so as a result we have no enough fish to sell out which can make us do such things," he said.
Principal fisheries officer Salim M'balaka said the Department of Fisheries views "'sex for fish' as a form of gender-based violence" and is partnering with the Health Ministry on awareness campaigns.
“While efforts are underway, challenges like women's economic vulnerability persist,” said M'balaka.
The 2013 Gender Equality Act prohibits sexual harassment.
In 2017, Malawi approved a revised Natural Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy to mitigate gender issues in fishing, including awareness campaigns.