Abstract

This poster documents the almost year-long capacity development of a small group of women fisherfolk in Barbados in the use and application of Popular Theatre. This type of theatre makes use of individual and community participation to highlight social issues and promote transformation. The approach integrates entertainment with the examination of issues and attitudes, knowledge sharing and ultimately initiating action for positive social change. Although used to address several issues within the Caribbean including gender and decent work, women's health, intimate partner violence, HIV and AIDS, and community-building, the application of Popular Theatre to small-scale fisheries has been underutilised but could be valuable to the promotion of social justice for Caribbean fisherfolk; this is critical for achieving sustainable and viable small-scale fisheries. We outline the training process and techniques used; highlight examples of social justice issues that the women recognise from their daily lives and want addressed; and provide observations on the uptake of learning. Women fisherfolk capacity in the use and application of Popular Theatre is being developed by The University of the West Indies Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (UWI-CERMES) Gender in Fisheries Team (GIFT) and the Social Justice Team of Regenerate Barbados, a national environmental network.

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