The High Technology Incubator in Blue Economy of the Cádiz Free Zone has 46 startups in incubation or acceleration. Of these, 23 are promoted by women or have an equal number of women. Incubazul, therefore, is an example of equality in this aspect and of the growing empowerment of women in the business sector.
One of the emblematic startups of the Cadiz incubator is “Women of the Sea”, a platform that wants to give prominence to women who work in the Blue Economy. Give a voice to the many women who dedicate their lives to the conservation of the sea, the sustainable use of its resources and other activities related to the circular economy.
With this emerging company, the Incubazul blog continues to commemorate 8M and Carmela Maestro, María Maestro and Juan de la Luz, members of Mujeres del Mar, answer the questionnaire on the occasion of this event.
What importance has women had for the world of the sea?
Women have played a crucial role in the world of the sea and the conservation of our oceans, from many different fields. For a long time, they have been essential for fishing and food collection of the ocean. In many coastal communities, they remain the main suppliers of seafood, knowing the habits and cycles of the animals better than anyone.
In the field of research, women like Dr. Sylvia Earle, known as “the lady of the sea”, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a leader in ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries, and Dr. Nancy Rabalais, an activist to protect marine life from pollution, have made significant contributions. In Spain, we also have prominent women in marine conservation such as marine biologist Raquel Vaquer-Sunyer, who investigates ocean acidification and its impact on the marine ecosystem, or oceanographer Ángeles Rodríguez, who has led projects to protect biodiversity. marine in the Mediterranean. These are just a few examples of inspiring women out of the many that we are.
In addition, many women have also become volunteers in organizations who work in the protection and conservation of the marine environment, or have led movements to protect the oceans and defend marine life.
From leadership in marine research and conservation, to work in fisheries, wildlife care, and volunteer actions, women are making an important contribution to protecting our oceans. I hope that we all recognize and appreciate the crucial role that women have played in the world of the sea and the conservation of the marine ecosystem, and that we continue to work together to protect our oceans for future generations.
What has been the evolution it has undergone in the last decades?
In recent decades, the role of women in the blue economy has evolved significantly. Women are playing an increasingly important role in fisheries, aquaculture and marine research. In addition, more opportunities are being created and we are increasingly leading women in the management and conservation of the oceans. Despite this, much remains to be done to ensure gender equality in all aspects of the blue economy.
Regarding the Blue Economy, what role do you think women will have in it?
I believe that the role of women in the blue economy will continue to evolve and grow in the future. We have plenty of capacity to lead in ocean management and conservation, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, increased awareness of the importance of gender equality and inclusion in the blue economy is leading to more opportunities for women.
This evolution towards a greater role for women in the blue economy is not something isolated, but is reflected in all aspects of society. The role of women in science, technology, politics and other fields is increasing, thanks to the feminist movement, the fight for equal opportunities and change in society. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities in all aspects of society at large.
Focusing on Mujeres del Mar, what is your main bet?; what answer did you find? How do you rate your time at Incubazul?
From Mujeres del Mar, we trust that this change will be increasingly significant at a social level. Our project focuses precisely on highlighting the enormous number of women who lead initiatives at the level of conservation and gender equality. Therefore, we know first-hand these actions that are carried out and that are becoming more numerous.
Through our time at Incubazul we have seen how this initiative is also a clear example that change is taking place. From the facilitator Marina Claver who has supported us throughout the incubation period, and continues to do so, to mentors such as Marina Jiménez or Vanesa Sánchez, among others with whom we have had the pleasure of speaking and who have advised us during all these months and at the that we appreciate your time. Finally, we have in mind at all times, of course, some of our colleagues who have incredible projects related to education and conservation, and who are true "women of the sea".
Information on sustainability and gender in Women of the Sea
This High Technology Incubator Project for the promotion of innovation and technology transfer to microSMEs in the blue economy sector in Andalusia “[BlueEcoIncuba x Logistical]Tech = ZONA BASE – INCUBAZUL 2.0” is 80% financed by the European Regional Development Fund within the Pluriregional Operational Program of Spain FEDER 2014-2020 OP. “A way of making Europe” within axis 3: Improving the Competitiveness of SMEs, Thematic Objective 3 Improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, and investment priority 3 Promotion of entrepreneurship, in particular, facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas, and promoting the creation of new companies, also through incubators.”
