GEDSI and SEAH Toolkit
Mainstreaming gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) in the blue economy
Introduction:
About this toolkit
This gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) toolkit is designed to support all those working in the blue economy, including marine biodiversity, sustainable seafood and marine pollution, to mainstream and monitor GEDSI in their work. It has been developed through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP). Part A of the toolkit provides practical guidance and tips on how to mainstream GEDSI in blue economy programmes and projects. Part B contains all the tools and templates to apply the learning in Part A, which can be adapted to suit a range of different contexts and similar environmental sectors.
The toolkit is intended to support inclusive blue economy programming for all people regardless of their gender, disability, age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, migration or displacement status, and other social characteristics. Sadly, not everyone experiences the same level of equality and inclusion within the blue economy, and some people will need additional support to level the playing field. This includes women and girls, people with disabilities, and other social groups who have been historically marginalised and excluded from blue economy work, including Indigenous Peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people (LGBTQI+), older people, children and youth, and people living in rural communities (this is not an exhaustive list). It seeks to take an intersectional approach, recognising that people experience multiple and overlapping inequalities throughout their lives.
Acknowledgements
This toolkit was produced by Social Development Direct in partnership with JEA Consultancy for theOcean Country Partnership Programme. It was written by Jeehan Mahmood, Maria Vlahakis, Ann Kangas and Jo Feather under the overall guidance of Lois Duff from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and with contributions from Carole White at Cefas and Helen Poulson and colleagues at Defra. MMO held consultations in Mozambique and Ghana to inform the development of the toolkit. The toolkit is an adapted version of the GEDSI Handbook for the Maldives, which was developed by Jeehan Mahmood and Eva Abdulla of JEA Consultancy for the OCPP in 2025.
This material has been funded by UK International Development from the government of the United Kingdom.
