Elcia Grandcourt
On the occasion of the International women’s day, VoyagesAfriq solicited messages from some distinguished women in the travel and tourism industry.
It is an established fact that women contribute the majority of labour force engaged in the travel and tourism trade globally, and the on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, we sampled the views of leading women shaping the tourism space in Africa and around the world.
International Women’s day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the work and contribution that women have brought to our society. It is also a time for us to reflect on what we have achieved, re-evaluate what is being done and be inspired to continue making meaningful contribution especially in the tourism sector to positively impact the lives of women and girls. Tourism is one of the key economic sectors that have the potential to contribute to greater gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is in this regard that the UNWTO Africa Department has Women empowerment in the Tourism sector as one of its core priorities. As we celebrate this day we also honor and recognize the achievements of the African women in leadership roles that are an inspiration to all of us. Elcia Grandcourt, Director of Africa Department at World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Women are the key architects of the society.They need to take their rightful space in modeling the youth and children.Empowering women through education, equal opportunity in decision making, economic activities does good to the society.-Jacinta Nzioka, Director of Marketing-Kenya Tourism Board
Women will always rise! Building smart Innovation is giving opportunities to achieve gender equality due the women empowerment in new skills and role models as coding, data science, big data analytics, entrepreneurship via creation of startups and an access to lead a key sector for sustainable development! Happy women’s day!- Natalia Bayona lead- Innovation and Digital Transformation Strategy at World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
It is because of the determined, unyielding strength and trust of many incredible women and men in my life -that I am the women I am today.- Carmen Nibigira, Tourism Policy Analyst & Project Director at Horwath HTL- Rwanda
Over the last few decades, women have been struggling and fighting for their rights across the globe. It’s overwhelming to see a day that honors the movement of women’s rights and ‘build support for achieving universal suffrage for women.I have to thank my father for planting a seed within me for the woman I am today. He made me courageous, fearless and to stand up for what i believe.
So a big shout of to all the Feminist men –Mahlet Yohannes -Aviation Corporate Consultant
