She Fishes for Change: How fisherwomen from Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro, are leading the fight for cleaner oceans and stronger communities
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience and leadership of Guanabara Bay’s fisherwomen—environmental stewards who are transforming their communities while cleaning one of Brazil’s most iconic ecosystems.
Through BVRio’s Fishing for Litter programme, these women are proving that environmental action and social equity go hand in hand. But beyond the cleanup, this initiative is also addressing a critical issue: the gradual disappearance of the fishing profession, which threatens a way of life, but also the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.
A legacy of pollution threatening a lifestyle?
Guanabara Bay, once a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, now bears the scars of decades of neglect. Nearly 100 tonnes of waste flood its waters daily, suffocating mangroves, killing marine life, and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of artisanal fishers
For the bay’s fisherwomen, this pollution is personal. Binha, a third-generation fisherwoman, shares: “We used to fill our nets with fish. Now, we pull up plastic bags and bottles. But instead of giving up, we’re fighting back for our families, our bay, and our future.”
Binha is one of the fisherwomen partnering with BVRio’s Fishing for Litter programme. Twice a week, she and her crew navigate the bay’s mangroves and sandy shores, removing waste that municipal services ignore. Since 2021, this initiative has recovered 450 tonnes of waste, but for these women, the mission goes beyond ocean cleanup. It’s about preserving a profession that is slowly fading away.
She poignantly notes: “In a few years, fishers will disappear. Because we are ageing. And who will replace those who die? If we don’t address this issue now, in the future, there will be no fishermen or women.”
This stark reality underscores the urgency of initiatives like Fishing for Litter, which cleans the bay by providing economic stability and a renewed sense of purpose for these communities, ensuring that the profession—and the cultural heritage it represents—does not vanish.
Building Economic and Social Power
The project’s success lies in its dual focus on environmental restoration and social inclusion. By empowering fisherwomen, the programme is breathing new life into a profession that many have abandoned due to the persistent pollution affecting the marine ecosystem. Under the leadership of Glaucia, the project has become a beacon of hope and innovation for the community.
The fisherwomen are helping to restore marine ecosystems and protect biodiversity. Glaucia emphasises the importance of this work: “I saw in the project an opportunity for us to clean Guanabara Bay, to have an environmental impact, but also to empower these women and show them that the only thing separating them from the fishermen is the barrier they create for themselves.”
Fishing for Litter provides fair, equal wages for waste collection, and recyclables are sold through cooperatives, creating a circular economy and opportunities for women, empowering them to take on roles historically dominated by men. Glaucia reflects on this shift: “I wanted to bring women into this historically male-dominated circle, so they could understand that they can be wherever they want to be. When we occupy our space, we show what we can do, what we can contribute. So, I think it’s really about that.”
Glaucia highlights the importance of economic empowerment: “We work on women's self-esteem, they are there doing their work equally, earning equally. So, I think this opportunity that the project brings is very positive in every way.”
This empowerment extends beyond economic benefits. As fisherwoman Val shared: “Women can be wherever they want, they can be in fishing just like the fishermen, or as boat captains. This programme has given me more strength as a fisher, but even more as a woman, to motivate other women.”
The power of inclusion: innovative environmental finance rewriting narratives?
Environmental finance is opening new pathways for women-led fishing communities, providing access to payments for environmental services. The financial and technical support means stability to continue fishing, and recognition for taking care of their home, of their role in conserving coastal ecosystems, and strengthened autonomy.?
“It demonstrates the potential of allocating incentives to the local population, transforming realities, and ensuring benefits for both communities and the environment.” Maria Accioly, BVRio Circular economy specialist.
“These women aren’t just cleaning waste; they’re rewriting their stories. They’ve shifted from victims of pollution to leaders of a movement. That’s the power of inclusion.” Juliana Miranda, BVRio circular economy analyst
In interviews, the fisherwomen underscored their deep connection to Guanabara Bay and the transformative power of inclusion.
“This project gave us dignity. I see fishing, and cleaning up the bay as a source of pride, not shame.” Binha, Fisherwoman
“Women have their own touch, their way of working. Men tend to stick to the norm, while women come with ideas like, ‘Let me see how I can improve this.’” Val, Fisherwoman
Fishing for Change
At BVRio, we believe environmental solutions must centre on those most affected. As we celebrate progress, challenges remain. Guanabara’s fisherwomen need:
Ways you can help us further this action:
The Fishing for Litter programme is replicable, with partnerships already forming in Italy, Mozambique, Angola, and Kenya.?
Learn more and support our work at www.bvrio.org/fishingforlitter