Outside the net: Intersectionality and inequality in the fisheries of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Inequality and conflict in Sri Lanka have frequently been analyzed along ethnic
lines. However, many scholars have stressed the importance of other dimensions
of identity, such as gender, caste and class, in studying social tension. This study
uses intersectionality theory to examine how a combination of the social
categories of gender, race, ethnicity and location creates structural inequality.
This article draws upon in-depth research on Muslim, Tamil, Sinhalese and
indigenous/Veder women who catch and market fish in the conflict-affected
eastern district of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The focus was on intra-group
differences among these women and the different sources of power they use to
subvert existing power structures. Although multiple inequalities affected the
respondents’ daily lives and participation in activities, they were not passive
victims; they used their own agency to negotiate for their livelihoods.
Nevertheless, the women who comprise the focus of this study appeared to be
completely invisible to government fisheries management bodies. The lack of
institutional representation has disadvantaged them in their negotiations for space
to engage in livelihood activities. Registration of these women by the government
department of fisheries among those who make a living from fishing would
provide them with a first measure of recognition and empowerment,
strengthening their chances of negotiating access to the fishery livelihood
resources.