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EU Blue Economy Observatory

Mulleres Salgadas: Empowering Women in Galicia's Maritime Sector

Mulleres Salgada (Salty Women) is the first and only regional association for women in the fishing sector in Galicia, Spain. Founded in December 2016, it has grown to become a significant voice for women working in maritime industries.

Background

Originally established as "Asociación de Mulleres do Mar de Arousa" in the Ría de Arousa area, Mulleres Salgadas has expanded its reach across Galicia. The association’s pioneering nature and ability to unite women's voices in the maritime sector have led to significant growth beyond its initial scope.

Key Objectives

As an explicitly feminist organisation, Mulleres Salgadas aims to:

  1. Recognise and valorise women’s work in the maritime sector
  2. Encompass all maritime professions, ensuring a pluralistic representation
  3. Advocate for gender equality in the fishing industry

Activities

Since 2020, Mulleres Salgadas has been awarding the annual "Premio Muller Salgada" (Salty Woman Award) to recognise outstanding women in the maritime sector. This award, presented on International Women’s Day, honours women who have made significant contributions to the development and progress of maritime professions.

Since May 2021, the association has been proposing the creation of an Equality Observatory for the Galician fishing sector to the regional government. This initiative aims to study, analyse, and establish measures to improve the situation of Galician women working in maritime and related activities.

Mulleres Salgadas is part of AKTEA, the European Network of Women’s Organisations in Fisheries. Since February 2020, the association has been a member of AKTEA’s strategic committee, further expanding its influence on a European level.

Membership and Representation

Mulleres Salgadas boasts over 2,000 members, representing a diverse range of maritime professions. Members join individually or through various organisations:

  • Fishermen’s guilds (Cofradías) from Cambados, Vilanova de Arousa, A Illa de Arousa, Aguiño, Cabo de Cruz, A Pobra do Caramiñal, and Rianxo
  • Mussel farming associations (Amegrove, Aspromeri, A Banqueiro, Omega)
  • Cultural associations (like Guimatur)
  • Cooperatives (such as the shellfish gatherers’ cooperative Ría de Arousa)
  • The Regulatory Council of Galician Mussels

Contact Information

For more information about Mulleres Salgadas:

Mulleres Salgadas continues to work towards improving the recognition and conditions for women in Galicia’s maritime sector, embodying their motto "o noso é a-mar" (our thing is to love/the sea).