Along the shores of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala lies the coastal villages of Valiyathura, Poonthura and Veli where fisherwomen navigate a complex world where the sea, land, and community spaces intertwine to shape their livelihoods. From bustling markets to household corners, their daily struggles and resilience unfold across multiple spaces of production. This photo essay captures their lived experiences, highlighting their perseverance and resilience across different spaces of production and its linkage with their livelihood.

In the early hours of the morning, fisherwomen arrive at the market, their baskets filled with fresh catch. The market, a space of both opportunity and struggle, is marked by spatial segregation, where women from the same villages support one another, while other village women fight for their space in the market. Throughout the day, they shift locations to attract customers, adapting to the dynamic nature of changing demands.

However, they also battle unsanitary conditions, with waste management issues affecting both business and health. Valiyathura pier, a landmark harbour with rich tradition of history, is now collapsed with devastating effects in the coastal community. Mussel collectors, once thriving, now struggle to sustain their livelihoods, non-swimmers face even greater risks, unable to participate in fishing activities and the loss of work resulting in cases of suicide and economic despair.

As competition in markets intensifies, new vending spaces have emerged. Fisherwomen set up temporary stalls along roadsides, making their work more visible yet vulnerable. Here, they face daily struggles—harassment, mobility issues, and constant competition. Yet, this space offers them flexibility, allowing them to balance household duties while earning a living.

At home, fisherwomen juggle multiple roles, managing household chores while preparing for the next day’s work. Their economic contributions are often overlooked, and many face domestic violence and lack of recognition as workers. Institutional spaces offer some neighbourhood groups to provide loans, and cooperatives facilitate fish auctions. However, fisherwomen remain largely excluded from decision-making, limiting their access to resources and opportunities.

All the spaces of production-market, harbour, household, vending and institutional spaces, are interdependent on each other. Thus, recognising this relevance, gender and resource-based intervention is necessary for the recognition of fisherwomen in the coastal community.

Reshma J is a Master’s student in Development at Azim Premji University. Her interest areas focus on Gender, Livelihood, Ecology and exploring their intersections in the development discourse.