‘Invisible heroines’ and living memory: Gender roles and women’s lived experiences in the fishing community of Kalymnos Island, Greece, through photovoice

This photovoice study explores women’s connection to marine fisheries in Kalymnos Island, Greece, how they perceive their contributions, and how the legacy of sponge fishing continues to shape contemporary gender roles and social expectations. Participants in the study described a deep, early connection to the sea that transcended gender. Furthermore, although socio-economic changes, have transformed women’s roles, participants felt constrained and that their contributions were overlooked. Our data shows that historically embedded ideals surrounding the resilient Kalymnian woman continue to influence women’s experiences. Hence, while empowering, this identity to some extent has reinforced traditional gender roles, reducing available time, limiting public participation, and weakening cohesion. Discussions further highlighted how gendered norms and moral expectations generate frustration and anger, also challenging the dominant narrative regarding Kalymnian women’s strength. The photovoice method enabled women to reflect on their lived realities while building common ground among women of varied generations and backgrounds.