UN Tourism highlights the fundamental role of women in the tourism sector

The organization underlines the importance of female participation to lead sustainable and inclusive transformations in the sector

(Source: ONU Tourism)

UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism of Paraguay have presented a groundbreaking report on the role of women in the tourism sector. The study was launched ahead of the First Regional Conference on Women's Empowerment in Tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is being held in Asunción, Paraguay, on 21 and 22 October.

Among other points, this new report highlights:

The role of tourism as a vehicle for women's empowerment: women already represent 52% of the total regular workforce in the sector. A figure that reaches 60% in certain segments, such as accommodation and catering.

The presence of women in the field of education: 69% of the total number of people enrolled in tourism-related studies in the region are women. This data reveals that they recognize tourism as a great source of opportunities for their future.

Apart from highlighting the positive aspects that the tourism sector offers to women in the region, the study also highlights the challenges they face. Among others, it highlights the precariousness of work that comes with unregulated employment and that mainly affects women. This instability causes women to have greater difficulty in accessing financing, social security and the labour rights that come with a decent and regulated job. Another fact that emerges from the analysis is that women are a minority in positions that involve decision-making in the ministries of tourism, where they represent only 25%. They are also underrepresented among the owners of tourism companies and in positions of responsibility, in general.

In Asunción, exploring strategies towards gender equality

The conference in Asunción, which marks an important step towards gender equality in the tourism sector, brings together representatives from various Member States, women leaders in the tourism sector, as well as gender and tourism experts to analyse the findings of the report and to share good practices of this type of initiatives in their countries.

The event also includes roundtables and workshops that allow participants to explore strategies to implement the report's recommendations and encourage improved working conditions, as well as greater participation of women in leadership positions in tourism.

"Tourism has enormous potential for women's empowerment, especially in the Latin American and Caribbean region," said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. "Latina women are the driving force of the sector in the region, and this study offers concrete steps to move towards greater equality and female participation in tourism, a key sector for the economic development of many countries."

The First Lady of Paraguay, Leticia Ocampos de Peña, invited all Paraguayan women to this event, which she described as very important because it seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women in the tourism sector. "It will be an opportunity to promote the exchange of knowledge, for the implementation of policies with a gender perspective; to learn, grow and promote inclusive tourism," she stressed.

For her part, Paraguay's Minister of Tourism, Angie Duarte, highlighted the interest of Senatur and UN Tourism in bringing together women working in the national tourism sector, and thanked the First Lady of the Nation, Leticia Ocampos, who did not hesitate to support the initiative, which seeks to address gender inequalities within the sector and provide more opportunities for their empowerment.

"This is a key moment to highlight the importance of women in the global tourism industry, and I invite all of our fellow women who are joining forces for personal and community development to join us in this transformative event. Together, we can build a more equitable and prosperous future for all," she added.

Source: UN Tourism.


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