FADIA JUMAA

Lebanon- Fatima Karsht, living in the town of Qana, located in the southeast of Lebanese city Tyre, is a mother of four daughters and one son. She helped her husband to grow vegetables and make soap for years. But she has become the only breadwinner of her family since her husband was diagnosed with cancer.

‘I learned how to catch fish as a hobby’

“I love fishing. Water makes me feel relaxed and better. One day, I asked my husband to teach me how to catch fish and he agreed to teach me. In 2000, I began to learn how to catch fish as a hobby.”

Fatima Karsht faced many challenges because fishing is a male-dominated sport in Lebanon. “I received many criticisms from my brothers and society. Even my husband was affected by the criticisms because I was the only woman having such a hobby. But I did not care about the criticisms and continued to catch fish from the beach. First, I went to the beach with my son and then my husband and other children joined us. People have gotten used to seeing a woman catching fish at the beach.”

She receives support from many people

 Fatima Karsht told NuJINHA that she responded to the criticism by saying that fishing is not shameful or prohibited for women. “Now, I receive support from passers-by and beachgoers. They talk to me and respect me. There are no differences between women and men except the physical differences. I reject gender-based discrimination because we, as women, have the capacity to do everything.”

Fatima Karsht has earned a living for her family from fishing since her husband was diagnosed with cancer. “I challenge stereotypes in fishing. I have become a role model for all women in the town. I call on all women to be determined to follow their dreams.”