In a groundbreaking appeal on International Women’s Day, UN Tourism spearheads a global movement under the rallying cry of #InvestInWomen, urging enhanced investment in the female workforce to bridge the gender divide within the tourism industry. Amidst celebrating women’s achievements, this call to action sheds light on the stark underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, alongside the obstacles they face in career advancement and access to education and training.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the staggering projection that without a yearly infusion of USD 360 billion towards gender parity, the ambitious objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5 – aiming for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, will remain elusive.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili underscores the significance of International Women’s Day as a moment of reflection on the strides made towards gender equality in tourism while emphasizing the dire need for substantial investments to fulfil this vision. He points out the tangible benefits of closing gender gaps, which could potentially elevate GDP per capita by 20% and generate nearly 300 million jobs globally by 2035.
Leading up to this momentous day, UN Tourism orchestrated a series of webinars across various global regions. These sessions called upon governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to enact decisive measures fostering gender equality in the tourism sector. Such actions include implementing policies that ensure equal pay, expanding access to educational and leadership opportunities for women, supporting women-led businesses within the tourism value chain, and cultivating partnerships at all levels to further the cause of women’s empowerment in tourism.
This clarion call from UN Tourism celebrates the progress achieved and highlights the considerable journey ahead. It serves as a beacon for initiating concrete actions and investments, paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future in the tourism sector.
Written by: Kanda Limw
