When I think of women, I immediately think of the word empowerment. Female empowerment, which begins with self-knowledge, looking inwards and a woman’s ability to bring about in herself the changes needed to evolve and grow stronger. It is one of the most topical discussions in society and brings to the surface gender equality and the inclusion of women in various spaces, including tourism, which is a very important sector and economic activity worldwide, contributing to the generation of jobs and income as well as to the creation of new business opportunities and increased production of goods and services on the market. Indeed, tourism employs far more women than other sectors.
Tourism is an inclusive sector, in which, according to the UN, 54% of the workforce is female, whereas women account for only 39% of those employed in the world economy. In Mozambique, however, the female workforce is still growing, standing at 31.5%, according to 2019 statistics.
Tourism is an inclusive sector, in which, according to the UN, 54% of the workforce is female, whereas women account for only 39% of those employed in the world economy.
In tourism, the pay gap between men and women is smaller than in other sectors. Women in tourism earn 14.7% less than men in the same positions, whereas globally this gap rises to 16.8%. When it comes to leadership, tourism paves the way for female power. Today, worldwide, 23% of tourism ministers are women, and Mozambique is on that list, while female presence in other ministries is 20.7%.
There are still many challenges, but these figures are a source of pride, as they demonstrate the importance of women to the development and promotion of tourism around the world. From women who seek to achieve public policies that promote the destination, to entrepreneurs, hoteliers, travel agents, tour guides and, of course, travellers. All, in some way, contribute to the growth of regions and generate, directly or otherwise, income and jobs.
Tourism is a welcoming and optimistic sector, which shows women’s strength, maturity and self-sufficiency in winning space and setting up businesses in this fertile market, which has a great deal of productive capacity, through natural resources and plenty of creativity.
I can say that the woman of today, of the 21st century, has greater autonomy, freedom of expression, influence, emancipated ideas and positions once stifled. She has stopped being a supporting player to take on a different place in society, giving an active voice to her critical sense. Tourism contributes to this breaking down of barriers, to the toppling of many paradigms. So that this gender relationship begins to gain a little more balance.
Through tourism, it is possible to see countless incredible women, endowed with strength, who confirm that they are the weaker sex only in prejudice. For all these achievements, the feminine spirit deserves to be celebrated and honoured. Always! And may this quest continue. May they, may we, continue to pursue their rights and the recognition of their responsibilities. May they continue to have an active voice to express what they think and what they want. May they occupy more and more positions of power and decision-making. May they be who and what they wish! Always aware that, everywhere, feminine sensitivity makes a difference!
