Global Women Conference on Women Friendly Tourism Concludes in Munnar

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 3 December 2024

The Global Women Conference on Gender Inclusive and Responsible Tourism in Kerala concluded on December 2, 2024, in Mankulam, Kerala. The 3-day conference focused on sustainable, gender-inclusive practices in the tourism sector. It adopted a declaration and a call to action and emphasized the importance of women's capacity-building programs, policies to prevent harassment, and climate-responsive practices. The event focused on building a tourism landscape that celebrates diversity, empowers women, and protects the environment through sustainable and gender-inclusive practices.

The three-day conference organized by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society in collaboration with the UN Women drove various stakeholders, state agencies, and international experts. Kerala adopted the "Kerala Declaration of Gender Inclusive and Women Friendly Tourism" during the conference. The declaration emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in tourism, including gender inclusivity, accessibility, and climate-responsive practices. It also emphasizes the safety, well-being, and empowerment of women in the tourism economy.

The declaration emphasizes the importance of gender-sensitive practices in tourism, promoting fair representation of women, minorities, and underrepresented groups. It calls for capacity-building programs, robust policies to prevent harassment, equitable pay, safe working conditions, and media campaigns to break stereotypes.

The "Call to Action" aims to promote a gender-inclusive tourism model, focusing on women-friendly initiatives, collaboration, transparency, and accountability. It emphasizes the importance of integrating gender inclusivity and RT practices in tourism planning, advocating for policies protecting women's rights, and enhancing their safety.