Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah, the President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), has called on stakeholders to work together to create an inclusive tourism industry where women are not just contributors but decision-makers.
She said: “The time for passive advocacy is over; the time to accelerate action is now. We need clear policies, measurable goals and firm commitments to break down barriers and build a tourism sector where every woman can thrive.”
In a release issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra to mark the International Women’s Day, Mrs Osei-Asamoah urged industry players to commit to actionable change.
“Together, we can accelerate action for gender equality and ensure that Ghana’s tourism industry becomes a model of inclusivity and empowerment,” she added.
Mrs Osei-Asamoah said the Day was an opportune moment to reflect on the strides made towards gender equality in Ghana’s tourism sector while recognizing the work ahead.
Women had long been the backbone of the tourism industry, yet for years, many of them operated in the shadows, with their contributions undervalued, she noted.
“Today, that narrative is changing, but we must hasten our efforts to ensure greater representation of women at the decision-making table and in all aspects of economic empowerment.”
The tourism landscape in Ghana was remarkably shaped by women and the appointment of Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, alongside Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto as the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, reinforced the growing influence of women in the sector, she said.
“Their leadership will undoubtedly shape policies that create more opportunities for women in tourism. However, these milestones must not be the end of our journey toward gender equality but rather fuel our determination to accelerate progress.”
Mrs Osei-Asamoah noted that women formed a significant portion of Ghana’s tourism workforce, from tour operators to hospitality managers, artisans, and cultural entrepreneurs, yet the numbers were discouraging at the decision-making levels.
“Women must not only be participants in the industry but must also have a voice in shaping its policies, investments and strategic direction,” she said.
The theme for this year: “Accelerate Action” called for more than just recognition; it demanded tangible steps toward empowering women in every endeavor, including tourism.
Mrs Osei-Asamoah said women in the tourism industry faced various challenges including access to capital, wage disparities, training and capacity building, lower representation in decision making and workplace equity and safety.
She said most women-led tourism businesses struggled to secure funding and called on stakeholders to push for gender-inclusive financial policies, create dedicated funding schemes for women entrepreneurs and ensure that women in tourism had the necessary resources to expand their businesses.
She called for comprehensive wage transparency policies, equitable salary structures and ongoing monitoring to ensure fair compensation for all.
“Providing women with access to skills training, mentorship, and leadership development programs is crucial in empowering them to take on decision-making roles. Investment in educational initiatives tailored to women in tourism will equip them with the tools needed to succeed in a competitive industry.”
Mrs Osei-Asamoah added that having more women in leadership positions was essential for shaping policies that were inclusive and beneficial to all.
“We must advocate gender-balanced representation in industry associations, government bodies and corporate boards. Women’s voices must be heard at every level where tourism policies and strategies are determined.”
She asked the authorities to provide safe and equitable workplaces for women in tourism by implementing workplace policies that prevented harassment, created family-friendly environments and offered flexible work arrangements that supported work-life balance.
Source: GNA