Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Fisheries: Inspiring Change from Kerala's Coasts
Synopsis
This International Women's Day, we celebrate the inspiring stories of Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod, whose entrepreneurial initiatives in fisheries are reshaping the livelihoods of coastal communities in Kerala. Discover how their determination is driving change.
Key Takeaways
Empowerment through Training: Initiatives like CMFRI's STI Hub provide crucial support for women entrepreneurs.
Impactful Livelihoods: Women like Sheeja and Ramadevi are redefining economic opportunities in coastal regions.
Community Support: Successes lead to collective upliftment, as seen with self-help groups.
Resilience and Innovation: Personal stories of determination can inspire broader community change.
Long-Term Economic Growth: Sustainable ventures contribute to overall regional development.
Kochi, March 7 (NationPress) Along the beaches of Kerala's coastal regions, untold tales of perseverance are increasingly transforming lives.
This International Women's Day, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) will celebrate two remarkable women, Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod, whose resilience and entrepreneurial spirit have evolved humble beginnings into flourishing fisheries operations.
The recognition is part of CMFRI's International Women's Day festivities in Kochi on Monday, featuring industrialist and philanthropist Sheela Kochouseph Chittalappilly as the chief guest.
Both women are participants in CMFRI's Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub project, an initiative designed to enhance livelihood prospects in coastal areas through training, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial mentorship.
For Sheeja Cylvi, residing on St Sebastian Island in Ashtamudi Lake, aquaculture has turned into a vital source of income.
Over the last ten years, she has developed a successful business focusing on mussel and oyster farming.
What began as a modest effort gradually evolved into a dependable financial resource after she participated in training sessions organized by CMFRI.
Currently, a single harvest from ten sacks of mussel seeds can bring in almost Rs 1 lakh.
In addition to supporting her family and her children's education, Sheeja has also introduced mussel farming to women-led self-help groups in her community, enabling many others to secure livelihoods.
A similar tale of determination defines Ramadevi Pramod's journey from Nayarambalam in Ernakulam district.
What commenced as a pastime nearly ten years ago has grown into a commercial ornamental fish farming business.
After joining the STI Hub initiative in 2022, Ramadevi expanded her operations into a fully-fledged enterprise.
She now supplies ornamental fish to the state-owned Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited (KAVIL) and also sells directly from her farm, generating approximately Rs 5,000 weekly from her business.
By recognizing these journeys, CMFRI aims to highlight the increasing influence of women entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector and motivate more women from coastal areas to explore opportunities in marine and inland aquaculture, demonstrating that resilience and education can transform small initiatives into significant drivers of change.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the formidable contributions of women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as fisheries. The stories of Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod exemplify the potential of women entrepreneurs to drive economic change and uplift their communities. Their journeys underscore the importance of support systems like CMFRI's STI Hub in empowering women to succeed.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the STI Hub project?
The STI Hub project aims to empower coastal communities by providing training, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial guidance to enhance livelihood opportunities.
How has Sheeja Cylvi contributed to her community?
Sheeja has introduced mussel farming to women-led self-help groups, helping others in her community secure livelihoods.
What type of business does Ramadevi Pramod run?
Ramadevi operates a commercial ornamental fish farming business, supplying fish to KAVIL and selling directly from her farm.
Why is the recognition of these women important?
Recognizing women like Sheeja and Ramadevi highlights their growing role in the fisheries sector and serves to inspire more women to explore similar opportunities.
How can women in coastal areas benefit from these success stories?
These success stories demonstrate that with resilience and proper support, women can transform small ventures into impactful businesses, encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
