Queensland encourages more females to take up fishing

As women become a growing focus for the global fishing industry, the State Government of Queensland, Australia, has launched a new social media network to encourage more women to take up fishing.

The Women in Recreational Fishing (WIRF) programme will focus on developing leadership, promoting knowledge and showcasing activities.

“The WIRF programme creates a ‘safe space’ for women of all ages, skill levels and cultural backgrounds to network via a Facebook community,” explained the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner.

“This network will encourage women to participate in recreational fishing activities, share knowledge, stories, tips, get the right equipment and promote events such as the WIRF Leadership programme to develop female role models within the recreational fishing community.”

Around 347,000 women and girls participated in recreational fishing across the state in 2019/20, and the WIRF platform is designed to increase the participation rate.

“Establishing this Facebook network will boost the already significant contribution woman and girls make to Queensland’s $333.7 million recreational fishing sector,” added Furner.

Join WIRF on Facebook