The Boat Regatta: Celebrating Resilience Culture, Driving Social Inclusion
The Boat Regatta Program is one of Enatta Foundation’s most impactful initiatives, designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Lagos’ coastal communities while fostering social inclusion, economic exposure, and community solidarity. What started as a simple event has now evolved into a transformative platform, bringing fisherwomen into the spotlight, connecting them with policymakers, investors, and the wider public.
At its core, the Regatta is more than just a boat race—it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and empowerment. It provides fisherwomen the opportunity to showcase their skills, engage with new markets, and take ownership of their narratives. The event brings together dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and government representatives, creating a rare opportunity for direct engagement between the fishing communities and decision-makers.
Impact & Achievements
Social Inclusion & Community Bonding – The Boat Regatta is a powerful force in integrating fisherwomen into the broader social and economic landscape. Many of these women, previously overlooked, are now recognized as key players in Lagos’ fishing industry.
Economic Exposure – The event attracts potential buyers, investors, and policymakers, giving fisherwomen direct access to new markets. It has helped increase the demand for their fish and seafood products, leading to better pricing and improved earnings.
Cultural Celebration & Identity Reinforcement – The Regatta celebrates traditional fishing techniques, maritime heritage, and indigenous craftsmanship, reinforcing a sense of pride and ownership among the fisher communities.
Policy Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement – The visibility created by the event has led to important conversations on sustainable fishing practices, financial inclusion, and infrastructural development for coastal communities.
A Growing Vision
With the overwhelming success of the past editions, the vision for the Boat Regatta is expanding. Enatta Foundation aims to bring together all the fishing communities in Lagos for a grand, city-wide Regatta, putting these hardworking women and their communities in the spotlight like never before. By doing so, the Foundation hopes to drive long-term policy changes, attract more investment, and create sustainable opportunities for the fisherwomen who have long been the unseen forces behind Lagos’ thriving seafood industry.
The Boat Regatta is no longer just an event—it is a movement, a bold declaration that fisherwomen are here, they matter, and they deserve to be celebrated and supported.
