Women in Tourism Leadership Africa tackles gender inequality in African Tourism
The Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC) is spearheading efforts to address gender disparities in Africa's tourism sector. Despite women comprising 70% of the continent's tourism workforce, they predominantly occupy low-skill, lower-paid positions and face significant challenges including unequal pay and limited leadership opportunities.
WITLAC, established following a 2019 leadership taskforce in Accra, aims to empower women and promote gender equality in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5. The committee's objectives include implementing gender-inclusive strategies, providing networking opportunities, and developing women's skills through mentorship programmes.
At a recent closed-door meeting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, WITLAC members formulated an action plan. Nabeela Farida Tunis, Sierra Leone's Tourism Minister and committee chair, highlighted their focus on ensuring dignified working standards for women in tourism.
WITLAC plans to address these issues through education, mentoring, and promoting equality policies across African countries. A training workshop on business skills is scheduled for October in Freetown, aiming to equip women with tools for success in the industry.
Source: Businessday