Fisaari Kanbalun
in partnership with Women In Fuvahmulah
Fisaari Kanbalun
Empower Ocean’s second pilot programme, Fisaari Kanbalun, meaning “fierce woman” in Dhivehi, takes place on Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives. Developed in collaboration with local NGO Women In Fuvahmulah, the programme trains local women with dive and conservation skills to monitor the local coral reef ecosystem. Conducting gender data research on barriers for ocean access for local women, the Fuvahmulah programme will help to form Empower Ocean’s development framework which aims to build out the programme in other communities across the India-Pacific.
Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Fisaari Kanbalun, meaning “fierce woman” in Dhivehi, takes place on Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives. A single-island atoll in the deep south of the Maldives with a thriving population of 12,000, Fuvahmulah is home to several keystone shark species. But despite being home to many diving operations and an arguable rising-star in Maldives’ shark tourism, Fuvahmulah has only ever produced a single female dive professional from the local community and no local women are actively involved in conserving the surrounding ocean.
“Without question, we need more women in the ocean space. What we should be asking is how can we create a comfortable & inclusive environment for women?”
HAMNA HUSSAIN | FISAARI KANBALUUN PROGRAMME LEAD
