The health of our oceans is declining. This threatens the lives, livelihood and food security of billions of people. For island communities and those living around oceans and seas, the risk are even greater. Recently, UN Women visited the island nation of Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean Rim region, where ocean-based tourism is the backbone of the economy and men and women rely on the ocean for sustainable living. Women are also leading marine conservation and sustainable use of the ocean in Seychelles. This photo essay provides a glimpse into their efforts and impact.

Indian Ocean Rim countries have set change in motion, investing in laws, policies, and institutions that empower women economically. But there’s much to be done. From the gender pay gap to labour policies, dive into the data to see how women fare across the region.