“I Wish for a World More Open to Post-Conflict Destinations.” – Women in Hospitality Founder Ann Kalembe Shares Insights at World Tourism Day 2024 in Georgia.
The Georgian Capital of Tbilisi hosted policy makers and hospitality industry experts spearheaded by UN tourism in celebration of the World Tourism Day 2024 on Friday 17th, September under the theme, “Tourism and Peace.”
Women in hospitality founder lead Ann Kalembe was part of a panel discussion about harnessing innovation and cultivating talent for peace, along with Ana Sofia Godoy Alonso, CEO of Étnica and
Li Yang, General Manager of International Affairs Alibaba Group, the trio shared insights on how encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in emerging destinations and post-conflict areas can stimulate local economies and create opportunities for communities to thrive under the moderation of Antonio Lopez de Avila, Director of Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism.
“I come from Uganda, a country with one of the youngest populations in the world, at least 75% of our people are below 35 highlighted by alarming unemployment rates, but the world bank also rates us as one of the most entrepreneurial countries, unfortunately most people never get to celebrate their startups’ 5th birthday.” ~ Ann Kalembe in her opening remarks.
“Most breadwinners in my homeland are women and in the hospitality industry where I’m based they make up more than 60% of the workforce. However a big number of them work the low jobs with minimal pay, over time I got to know about stories of women being asked for sexual favours incase of a better pay cheque or higher post and realising that I could lend a hand with my advantaged position, I came up with the idea to start women in hospitality.”
She shared her thoughts on what are the biggest issues faced by women in Uganda’s hospitality industry and mentioned that besides the social stereotypes that women are meant to stay home and raise children, expert Skilling is still low due to belief that anyone can do tourism without professional industry education and this cuts chances of advanced positions short.
Recently the government of Uganda has embarked on a women financial empowerment project that avails loans but still, only a few access this because their startups aren’t registered which is a requirement for one to get these funds.
Back home in Uganda, the World Tourism Day celebrations were held in Kasese, a fitting ground for this year’s theme because for long the region’s development has been halted by insecurities both by the ADF rebel group and cultural wrangles. But it’s now flourishing mainly because many people, especially women are earning a living from tourism, selling food products to safari lodges and art crafts as souvenirs to tourists.
“I wish for a world that is more open and accepting of places that have had conflict before, when you look up Uganda what you’ll see won’t be pleasing to the eye, but to those who visit us are shocked that it’s different from what they were told. I wish for a world where travel advisories aren’t against us. Our women need jobs, tourism is our livelihood.” Ann when asked what she would wish the future looked like.