The Icelandic aquaculture industry has been rapidly expanding since 2012, and its future looks promising as a major contributor to the country’s economy. However, this growth has predominantly been driven by men, even though many roles within the industry are accessible to both genders. So, how can the sector attract more women and harness the potential that diversity offers?
Konur í eldi to inspire women to grow their careers in aquaculture
At the Aqua-Ice conference on October 8th, 2024 a new network for women in aquaculture, Konur í eldi (Women in Aquaculture), was launched by marine biologist and senior advisor Eva Dögg Johannesdottir from Blar Akur. This initiative aims to connect, support, and inspire women to take part in shaping the future of Icelandic aquaculture. In this context, we spoke to Gudbjorg Jonasdottir, Executive Assistant and Communication Specialist at Benchmark Genetics Iceland, to hear her thoughts on bringing more women into this growing industry.
Why aquaculture is a great place to work for women
Gudbjorg ‘s journey into aquaculture was fueled by a desire to be part of a dynamic and innovative industry. “I was drawn to aquaculture because it’s a fast-growing field with many exciting developments,” she says. “It plays a critical role in addressing global challenges like sustainable food production, and working with Benchmark Genetics has been especially rewarding. We provide top-quality salmon eggs and continuously strive for excellence. It’s inspiring to be part of this journey.”
While the industry continues to evolve, Güdbjorg is passionate about the opportunities available for women. She emphasizes that the sector is not limited by gender: “Aquaculture offers endless possibilities for growth and development. My advice to women interested in the field is to embrace the challenges and stay curious. There is plenty of room for innovation and leadership.”
How the industry can promote more diversity
When asked about diversity, Gudbjorg points out that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. “The industry is becoming more diverse, but we need to do more to encourage women to join, particularly in leadership roles. Diversity means creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed, regardless of their background or gender.”
Companies and networks are leading the way
Benchmark Genetics Iceland is already leading the way in promoting diversity within the company. “At Benchmark, we’re proud to have 26 women out of a team of 86, and that number has been growing. To attract more women, we need to highlight the variety of roles available and promote flexible working environments that support work-life balance,” – Gudbjorg suggests.
The newly formed Konur í eldi network is set to play a significant role in this effort. Gudbjorg is enthusiastic about joining and believes it will be an invaluable resource for women in the industry. “This network can make a real difference by providing a space for women to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. It can help women build the confidence to pursue leadership roles and inspire future generations.”
Impacting through political influence
As someone active in local politics, Gudbjorg also sees opportunities to influence gender equality through her work outside the industry. “I believe I can have an impact by advocating for policies, that support families and create more opportunities for women to thrive professionally and personally. It’s important to be a role model for my children and show them the value of participating in shaping our community.”
Shaping the future of aquaculture in Iceland
Ultimately, Gudbjorg’s vision for the future of Icelandic aquaculture is one of inclusion and opportunity. “It’s about creating a legacy of equality, sustainability, and innovation. We need to ensure that as aquaculture grows, so does our commitment to making the industry better, more inclusive, and more resilient for future generations.”
