Women play a crucial role in small-scale fisheries (SSF) in India. While men primarily engage in capture from and offshore activities, women contribute significantly through pre- and post-harvest operations, including net mending, fish processing/dry fishing, fish marketing, etc. Even though women play an important role in ensuring household food and nutritional security, they have less access and control over the resources. About 59% of the women in the fishermen community have no access to the extension services because of their ignorance. In decision making, the involvement of women is relatively higher in household affairs than in economic affairs. Women are also facing constraints like poor socio-economic status, poor educational status, poor health status, drudgery, lack of extension contact etc. Addressing these inequities through gender-sensitive policies, institutional support, and empowerment initiatives is crucial for promoting the inclusive and sustainable development of fisheries. Recognizing and mainstreaming women’s contributions can strengthen livelihoods, resilience, and social equity in India’s SSF sector.