On 26 November, the city of Cadiz became the epicentre of reflection and debate on the Blue Economy and the crucial role of women in this field. The Cajasol Foundation hosted the Cadiz Blue Forum 2024, a conference organised under the slogan ‘Women and Blue Economy: Generating Value through Equality’, where experts, researchers, entrepreneurs and institutional leaders met to share experiences and strategies towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Andalucía Emprende’s contribution: European RE-FEM Project
In this context, Andalucía Emprende presented the European RE-FEM Project, a key initiative that aims to enhance the resilience and leadership skills of women entrepreneurs in the post-COVID era. The presentation, entitled ‘RE-FEM: Upskilling pathways for REsilience in the post-COVID era for FEMale Entrepreneurs’, was given by Nieves García Pereira, European Project Manager, who highlighted the project’s commitment to equal opportunities in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
This effort is part of RE-FEM’s commitment to educational innovation and empowerment, laying the foundation for stronger and more resilient female leadership in emerging sectors such as the Blue Economy among others.
Blue Economy and Equality: Key Themes of the Forum
The event was divided into several thematic sessions that addressed the many facets of the Blue Economy from a gender perspective:
- Women’s Leadership in the Blue Economy: Experts from the fisheries sector, aquaculture and foreign trade discussed how women are breaking barriers and leading key initiatives in a sector crucial for economic development.
- Research, Knowledge and the Future of the Blue Economy: Internationally renowned researchers shared advances in areas such as marine ecology, applied economics and blue carbon ecosystems, highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive research.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Women entrepreneurs from different sectors presented their projects, demonstrating how innovation can be a powerful tool to transform realities and open up new opportunities for women.
Final reflections
The Blue Forum Cadiz 2024 was not only a space for the exchange of ideas, but also a platform to reinforce the collective commitment towards a more equitable Blue Economy. The presentation of the RE-FEM Project stood out as a tangible example of how European policies and programmes can be effective tools to achieve real transformation.
We thank the Forum organisers and all the women participants for inspiring and contributing to this important debate. Together, we continue to work for a future where equality and sustainability are the foundations of our economy.