Small-scale fisheries contribute to food security and the eradication of poverty by providing food, income and employment to millions of people. Women account for about 50 percent of the workforce in small-scale fisheries, particularly in processing and trade. However, the sector is facing challenges such as: declining fisheries resources; degraded aquatic habitats; other more-powerful sectors out competing small-scale fishing communities for access to land and water; unequal power relations; lack of access to services; and limited participation in decision-making, often leading to unfavourable policies and practices within and beyond the sector. Moreover, inadequate governance structures often struggle to provide the necessary support. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2016 is available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5555e.pdf