Strong weathered hands move through piles of large pink tuna as these are gutted, filleted and cooked—an ancient morning ritual for many coastal women. Day after day they prepare the morning’s catch to be sold in markets and restaurants along the Oaxacan coast. This is the story of a particular group of women from the sleepy town of Puerto Angel.
Ana Laura, part of the cooperative’s leadership, holds part of the day’s catch, ready to be grilled.
The Cooperative Sirenas (Mermaids) has 32 members. Each woman is responsible for either filleting or grilling more than five types of fish—most work independently from their homes. With support from the Oaxaca Community Foundation, the cooperative has increased sales and production by constructing cement patios, purchasing freezers and establishing more efficient and sanitary filleting and cooking methods.
Beatriz, one of the cooperative’s members, stands on her newly cemented floor proudly showing her filleting table. Improvements have resulted in a sales increase of 15 percent. She says that the quality of her finished product has also improved. For Beatriz, this is not just a job, but a way of life. “My mother used to bring me to the market to sell fish when I was a child,” she recalls. “This is like a hobby, and I like to work hard.”
Las Sirenas sells fresh, grilled and frozen fish. One of the members proudly shows us one of her products.
“Sometimes people ignore us because we’re women, but when they see what we’re doing they’re always impressed,” says Olivia, another cooperative member. Women in the cooperative often work up to 14 hours a day if business is good. Olivia hopes for a bright future for her two young daughters, one of whom is 19 and studying to be a schoolteacher, thanks to sales from her mother’s business.
With continued support from the Oaxaca Community Foundation, the cooperative will officially brand its products, establishing recognition and a solid name. Product diversification, like selling other meat products and serving meals, is also on the horizon. Las Sirenas say that the Foundation’s support has given them strength, and that they will continue to work together towards creating a better future for their business and their families.
