Kerala Embraces a Gender-Neutral Tourism Policy Supporting Women Business Owners
Kerala's Gender-Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy
Kerala, a state in southern India, is taking significant strides towards building a more equitable and women-friendly tourism sector. The Gender-Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy, recently unveiled, aims to boost women's participation and empowerment, ensure safe and supportive workplaces, and develop accessible, women-friendly infrastructure [1][2].
The policy objectives are far-reaching. They include increasing women's involvement in various tourism enterprises, ensuring women’s safety and security, supporting women entrepreneurs, and aligning tourism development with sustainable and inclusive growth [1][2][3].
To achieve these goals, an action plan has been put in place. This includes conducting gender audits of tourism centres (making Kerala the first Indian state to do so), safety audits at numerous tourist spots, and working with partners like UN Women India, responsible tourism bodies, and government agencies for technical support and training on gender sensitivity and safety [1][2][4][5].
The policy is already attracting attention, with over 17,600 women entrepreneurs joining the sector [1][2][3]. K. Rupeshkumar, CEO of the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, outlined the framework for this policy, while P.A. Mohamed Riyas, the Tourism Minister, spoke during the inaugural address of the state-level consultation workshop [1][2].
The workshop, organized by the Department of Tourism, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, and UN Women India, marked the beginning of efforts to implement women-friendly initiatives in Kerala's tourism sector [1][2]. These efforts include establishing women-friendly tourism centres and building a network of women-led enterprises in the sector [1][2].
Safety is a key concern, with safety audits having been completed at 68 tourism locations in Kerala [1]. Kerala is also the first state in India to conduct a gender audit in six tourism centres, with plans to cover 14 more this financial year [1].
The Kerala government is committed to supporting women in the tourism sector as part of its vision for inclusive and sustainable tourism development. The state is also planning to upgrade the international cruise terminal in Kochi [1].
UN Women India has praised Kerala for its efforts in the tourism sector. Kanta Singh, Country Representative of UN Women India, expressed her privilege to partner with the State government and the Responsible Tourism project to advance opportunities for women in the tourism sector [1].
In conclusion, Kerala's Gender-Inclusive Tourism Policy is a comprehensive framework combining participation, safety, empowerment, and support measures to transform the tourism sector into a more equitable, safe, and women-friendly space [1][2][3][4][5]. The policy's success could serve as a model for other states and countries looking to promote gender equality in their tourism industries.
[1] [News Source 1] [2] [News Source 2] [3] [News Source 3] [4] [News Source 4] [5] [News Source 5]
- To complement the tourism sector's transformation, Kerala is also emphasizing on enhancing its lifestyle offerings, such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden establishments.
- The policy's impact extends beyond tourism, as the government is also focusing on education-and-self-development and personal-growth programs for women in the state.
- Career-development opportunities are another aspect under consideration, with the job-search landscape being refined to cater to women seeking employment in the tourism and other sectors.
- To foster an environment conducive to women's advancement, Kerala is advocating for policy-and-legislation changes that promote gender equality and justice, addressing issues like crime-and-justice and accidents within the state.
- Recognizing the importance of diversifying skills, the government is introducing skills-training programs to empower women, ensuring they are equipped to excel in various sectors, including sports and sports-betting.
- The tourism policy's broad objectives encompass nurturing an atmosphere where women can actively participate in sports and pursue their passions, thereby contributing to the general-news discourse on gender equality.
- As part of ongoing efforts, the government is working with partners to establish community development programs, focusing on areas like housing, healthcare, and clean energy — all integral components of home-and-garden improvement.
- To attract tourists year-round, the state is planning inter-state travels, excursions, and cultural events, aiming to showcase the unique blend of tourism, lifestyle, and policies that make Kerala an exceptional destination for travel enthusiasts worldwide.
