Here’s How Hakeema Umar Stands Out In a Sea of 43,000 Male Fishers

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Known amongst her community as Hakku, fisherwoman Hakeema Umar is creating history at the tender age of 62. She is the only female fisher in her community with at least 43,000 males.

Umar lives with her husband, daughter, and 2 sons in a one-room, semi-concrete hut in Rehri Goth, Karachi. She and her sons make around Rs. 1,500-4,000 daily. At the first light, Hakeema Umar and her sons make their way to the 400-year-old fishing settlement.

Hakeema Umar started fishing in her childhood as a way to spend more time with her father in Keti Bandar. She then married Umar and moved to start a new life. “Before my wedding, my father instructed Umar to never stop me from doing what I loved, which was fishing,” she says. “And I never did,” Umar shared.

The couple initially earned through fishing and Umar’s boat commissions, however, 15 years ago, Umar started to experience health issues as he developed kidney problems and tremors, and could no longer go out to the sea to fish. Due to not being able to afford medical aid, his health deteriorated over the years.

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This is where Hakeema took charge and became the main breadwinner for her family. However, it is not a steady income given that fishing has gotten harder since they sold the boat as they can’t venture too far out to sea. Her income changes all the time.

“It all depends on the sea, how much we’re able to catch,” says Hakku. “We spend everything we earn, there’s nothing left to save. Even if we were to save one day, it’ll be gone the next day if there’s less catch. On the days there’s no catch or very little catch, we cut wood and sell that. Sometimes we’ll get 300 rupees ($1.05) for it, sometimes 400 ($1.40).”

Moreover, marine life becoming a target of pollution, amongst other issues including the loss of Mangroves and over-fishing, multiple species of fish have now ceased to exist or have migrated. This has caused concern for many fishers as it has led to the fluctuation of rates.

With a rise in expenses (due to inflation) and her age, she is now also facing health concerns. A recent visit to the doctor showed that her blood pressure was high due to stress, which she says has been caused by financial problems. “She works too hard,” Umar says. “All praise to God, always—but really, this past year has been very difficult for us. There have been days we’ve gone to bed on empty stomachs.”

Hakeema Umar and her husband dream of building the perfect boat to leave behind for their children. “It cost us 100,000 rupees ($350),” says Umar. The family used the little money they had saved and borrowed money from a friend to pay for this.

“The last boat cost us 200,000 rupees ($701) to make, but we’ll need 300,000 ($1,052) to 400,000 ($1,402) to make this new one since the price for everything has gone up,” Umar explains. “This time, I’m using better-quality wood, which should last 20 years. The nuts and bolts alone cost 100,000 rupees ($350), and the engine is another 100,000.”

“If there are two or three men at the job, it can be completed within two months. If it’s just me, it can take up to a year. But I will do it myself, slowly, over time. If not this year, then next year. If not next year, then the year after. I’m trying. It will happen.” Umar shared.

“My wife is fearless, but I worry about her when she goes into the sea in that small boat. I want her to be safe. I’m doing this for her.” He added.

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Source: Al-Jazeera