The ManicaPost
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has moved to regularise the representation of women in tourism in the country through the formulation of committees that will spearhead projects to promote their participation in economic development.
Speaking at a workshop to formulate the Women-In-Tourism Manicaland chapter, director domestic tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Enivah Mutsau said there was need to make coordinated efforts to increase women’s participation in the sector.
“The objective of the workshop is specifically to come up with a provincial tourism chapter.
“This comes from the realisation that there are so many structures in all provinces and when we want a representation of tourism from all provinces, we didn’t have a single voice. At some point, we are invited to other forums outside the country and we don’t know how to choose who to represent us and for that reason we want to do this,” she said.
“Tourism is everyone’s business but we are trying to create a structure through which we can all channel our issues and efforts.”
Dr Mutsau said the Ministry would formalise and regularise the existing chapters and create new ones where necessary.
She said the highest share of women were employed in the tourism industry but most of them were not in management positions.
“Tourism offers women in Zimbabwe to unlock their potential while helping them to become fully engaged and leaders in every aspect of society. Zimbabwe has identified tourism as a tool for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Gender equality and women’s empowerment remain the centre of Government’s development strategy as outlined in the constitution,” she said.
After the workshop, an eight-member committee chaired by the managing director for Ekhaya Travel, Rumbidzai Munhuwani, was selected.
Speaking at the same event, provincial administrator Mr Edgar Seenza said
“This has been a long awaited initiative which is critical to the tourism sector as well as the nation at large.
“The importance of women in growing the economy cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
“As provinces, we are going to be compared and rated on how we are contributing to GDP. And what we are doing here is very critical towards growing our GDP as a province. “
Mr Seenza said there was need for the nation to create opportunities to unlock women’s potential both in social and economic sectors.
