May 28, 2026.- With the participation of nearly 70 women from Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, the international webinar “Leading Without Limits: Women, Management, and Opportunities in the Pacific Alliance” was held, an event organized within the framework of the Pacific Alliance’s Technical Group on Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The event brought together women involved in the fisheries and aquaculture sector from the four member countries, creating a space for dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of experiences on leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and strengthening the role of women in coastal communities.
The webinar featured presentations by Ms. Ana María Seminario, a professional from Peru’s Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), and Ms. Yanett Miranda Castro Medina, a prominent fisheries leader from Mexico and president of the National Network of Women in Fisheries.
During the event, Ms. Ana María Seminario shared her experience and career in fieldwork with Peruvian fishing communities, offering an intimate, human, and inspiring perspective on community strengthening and support for women in the sector.
For her part, Ms. Yanett Castro highlighted the work carried out with women from fishing cooperatives in Mexico and the process of creating and consolidating the National Network of Women in Fisheries, an organization that currently has a presence in 13 of the country’s 17 coastal states, making it a significant example of coordination and women’s leadership in Latin America.
As the Pacific Alliance’s Technical Group on Fisheries and Aquaculture, the contributions of both speakers were particularly valued, as their experiences highlighted the importance of women’s leadership, collaboration, and networking for the sector’s sustainable development.
Among the key lessons discussed during the webinar, it was emphasized that dialogue, solidarity, and a sense of responsibility are essential qualities of leadership, enabling one to listen, build trust, and establish common goals. It was also noted that women leaders in fisheries and aquaculture demonstrate courage, empathy, and a commitment to their local communities, transforming challenges into opportunities for them.
The importance of building trust, maintaining a proactive attitude, and promoting access to information and knowledge about the regulations and challenges of the fisheries and aquaculture sector was also emphasized as fundamental tools for creating opportunities and advancing toward sustainable development.
During the meeting, participants also reflected on the challenges women face in spaces historically dominated by men, where their work often remains invisible. In this context, it was highlighted that one of the main challenges is to advance women’s self-recognition as fisherwomen, gatherers, and key actors in the fisheries and aquaculture production chain.
Likewise, the need to empower new generations of women leaders capable of driving a more inclusive, sustainable blue economy with a territorial identity was emphasized, by promoting collaborative networks, entrepreneurial opportunities, and marketing channels that contribute to the well-being of coastal communities.
Finally, the fundamental role that women play in promoting sustainable fishing was recognized, as they drive responsible practices that ensure not only economic income but also food security, social cohesion, and well-being for their families and coastal communities.