Uniting women from diverse backgrounds and skill levels in fly fishing, fostering a community of camaraderie and empowerment where shared passion for the water inspires remarkable achievements both on and off the river.
UWOTF Mission Statement
United Women on the Fly (UWOTF) aims to empower and unite women in fly fishing through advocacy work, mentorship, and representation.
UWOTF Vision Statement
United Women on the Fly envisions a future where women hold significant roles in the fly fishing industry, contributing to innovation and leadership. We aim to create a community that advocates for women’s participation and embraces diversity. Through education and support, we strive to empower women to break barriers and achieve success in all aspects of fly fishing.
UWOTF Core Values
UWOTF and iFishiBelong share core values centered around inclusivity, empowerment, leadership cultivation, community, accessibility, respect, education over shaming, collaborations, conservation, and promoting fun and enjoyment in the sport of fishing.
- Inclusivity: We welcome all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or skill level, creating a community where everyone feels they genuinely belong in the sport of fishing.
- Diversity: We celebrate various fishing techniques, fish species, and personal experiences to enrich and strengthen the community.
- Empowerment: We nurture future fishing leaders and experts by offering innovative and accessible initiatives that develop their skills, confidence, and ability to make a positive impact.
- Equity: We are committed to ensuring equitable representation across all platforms and enhancing the visibility of marginalized individuals while collaborating with industry partners to address disparities and ensure every voice is heard and valued.
- Accessibility: We strive to make fishing accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities by providing access, accommodations, affordable, free, or discounted fishing education, events, and trips.
UWOTF GOals
United Women on the Fly strives to build a supportive online community, amplify women’s voices in fly fishing, provide a comprehensive resource network, and advocate for women across the fly fishing industry and the broader community.
- Online Community –
- We aim to create an engaging and supportive online platform where women in fly fishing can connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships, fostering a meaningful and inclusive community.
- Women’s Advocacy within the Fly Fishing Industry
- We are committed to advocating for equitable representation and opportunities for women within the fly fishing industry. We aim to challenge stereotypes, promote leadership, and collaborate with industry partners to ensure women’s voices are amplified and valued at every level.
- Women’s Representation and Amplification –
- United Women on the Fly is dedicated to enhancing the visibility and representation of women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, within the fly fishing community. We strive to ensure equitable inclusion across our website, social media, emails, promotional materials, and all platforms that share stories and visuals.
- Our commitment extends to collaborating with manufacturers, fishing enterprises, media outlets, content creators, filmmakers, trade associations, and industry events to advance equitable representation in the fishing sector.
- By amplifying women’s voices, stories, and experiences, we aim to ensure that every woman feels seen, heard, and valued in the evolving narrative of fly fishing.
- Resources –
- Our goal is to create a comprehensive resource network that links women fly anglers with women guides, women-owned businesses, and women-focused groups. This network aims to empower and support women’s participation and leadership within the fly fishing industry, promoting connection and growth across the community.
- Women Fishing Opportunities
- We aim to share various cost-effective events and trips, including those hosted by women’s groups aligned with UWOTF, UWOTF-hosted trips, iFishiBelong DIY-focused fishing events, partnership initiatives, and other community fishing gatherings.
UWOTF Joins iFishiBelong
In 2023, UWOTF underwent significant structural changes, leading to its integration as a program within the newly established iFishiBelong nonprofit. Building on over eight years of community growth, this transition unlocks new funding opportunities and ensures the continued success of UWOTF. The program’s commitment to empowering women in fly fishing has expanded to embrace diversity across all species, techniques, and people, creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
