fishing co-op sexist?
#213675
10/24/06 01:20 PM
10/24/06 01:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 72,050 oregon, spr
Marty
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from a friend...
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The Nothern Fisherman's Cooperative held its annual general meeting on Caye Caulker yesterday. No doubt, this very successful cooperative went over the list of their accomplishments this year, which are sure to be many. This is a very successful cooperative by any accounts. The fishing cooperative was the first of its kind, is still the oldest of its kind, the largest of its kind and the most successful of its kind in the entire country. One would be blind not to notice the economic prosperity the formation of this cooperative has brough to the tiny island of Caye Caulker, Belize. Today, there are several branches of the Northern Fisherman's Cooperative in several parts of the country.
The founding members of this wildly successfully cooperative, which was formed in the 1950's on Caye Caulker, had several strong Caye Caulker women at the helm as founding members. I cannot remember all the names right off hand, but in a conversation with the man who helped form the cooperative so long ago, Mr. Tony Vega, Sr., he welcomed the women members even in the 1950's (in an era when the woman's place was still considered "in the home") because he was of the opinion that they would work twice as hard as the men to make the cooperative successful for the simple fact that they had children to feed.
Today, however, despite its huge success, the Northern Fisherman's Cooperative is one of the two most gender discriminatory organizations in the entire country of Belize (the other being the Catholic Church). Despite its overwhelming financial successes, this cooperative should really hang its head in shame at its policies towards women. Despite its success, it is nothing more than a woman-bashing, macho man, organization - obviously one of the ancient dinosaurs that has rolled over from the last century that still remains in last century's mode. Considering the fact that the founding members welcomed women members, one can only wonder what has gone wrong along the way.
A female friend of mine whose application to become a member of the cooperative some years ago was turned down by the cooperative (without an explanation, I might add), inquired privately as to reasons why. From inside sources, these were the answers: "Well, if we allow women members, we will have to change the name to Northern Fishepeople's Cooperative" and it will cost money." Then "We only allow male members, because if we allowed all the women that wanted to join to join, then with the loans they take out, they will bankrupt the entire organization." Huh? I was certainly not sure if we were talking to folks in the last century or this century.
Since this government has appointed a special ambassador for gender issues, I would hope that they would act where they have so far given lip service and do a thorough investigation into the very discriminatory practices of the Norther Fisherman's Cooperative. In fact, I challenge them to take immediate steps to correct this type of old-fashioned discrimination against half of our population whose only sin is to be born with parts other than those of a man.
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Re: fishing co-op sexist?
#213677
10/24/06 01:21 PM
10/24/06 01:21 PM
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 72,050 oregon, spr
Marty
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another response: ////////////////////// I think they should allow womenfolk in the fishing cooperatives but I don't think many would sign up, at least not from the north. The south is another story.
I know a lady who 10 years ago, originally from Sartaneja, who could mix it up pretty well with the other "fishermen"/ divers. She ran that skiff like she was at one with the environment. She was down with the lifestyle. Now, although still childless at 30, she refuses to go out to dive and fish. She prefers to stay at camp and watch the novelas and oversee the cooking as the watchman cooks.
I think the mexican novelas have changed the culture in the north tremendously, especially amongst the sea fearing folk.
Haven't done the far south yet, so can't speak to the current issues there. Missed a big fishing trip to PG last week due to a bad flu but, PG is in the cards to fish.
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Re: fishing co-op sexist?
#213683
10/31/06 01:25 AM
10/31/06 01:25 AM
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,262 St Louis, Mo., USA/San Pedro
Laguna Punta
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Perhaps the rejection was based on character, not gender. Obviously, all native Corker's know well, each other.
Gone fishing!!
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