Traditionally there has been little emphasis placed on the role and contribution of women in the South Australian fishing industry. Many other primary industries, most notably dairy and grains, have invested significant resources in developing the role and skills of women. This has resulted in the more effective use of what was an untapped resource, in developing the industry.

During 1996 and 1997 a group of women associated with the fishing industry in South Australia began working together to address this situation. This resulted in the formulation of the Women's Industry Network. (WIN). WIN can be best described as a group of women joined or linked by a common cause, purpose, or interest, to ensure the fishing industry has a positive future.

In February 1998, WIN held a FRDC sponsored state workshop entitled "Capitalising on the Talents of Women in the South Australian Fishing Industry." Project No: 97/348. One of the outcomes of the workshop the development of a four-point action plan for future operations of the network so that it might best serve the needs of the fishing industry. After the workshop, women from around the state have adopted essential projects to assist the development and operation of WIN on a local and state base level.