Celebrating Women in Travel on International Women’s Day
Every year since 1911, 8 March has marked International Women’s Day, celebrating the economic, political, and social contributions of women globally. Now, it serves as a platform to generate action, mobilize campaigns, and highlight significant issues, calling for better legal support, education, healthcare, and opportunities for women, non-binary individuals, and marginalized gender identities worldwide. The travel and tourism industry is no exception; in 2021 alone, women spent approximately $125 billion on travel. Between 2016 and 2019, searches for “solo female travel” grew by 62 percent. It’s believed that over 80 percent of travel decisions are made by women, and around two-thirds of people who embark on trips centered around nature, adventure, and culture are women.
The Challenge of Stereotyping in Travel
However, the industry can sometimes fall into the trap of stereotyping the needs of female travelers. “Either we’re focused on safety, or fashion,” says Beth Santos, founder of Wanderful. “Making travel accessible means a lot of things: being mindful of various intersecting identities; speaking to women responsibly, especially those that have been historically mis- or under-represented; and considering the many stakeholders in travel and how they are affected. The industry has a responsibility not only to those traveling but also to those working in hospitality and tourism, business owners, and content creators.” The voices of leaders like Santos are changing how travel is perceived and experienced.
Inspiring Leaders in the Travel Industry
Here are some of the inspiring figures redefining travel and contributing to the empowerment of women:
“Visibility is so important,” says Naiomi Glasses, a Diné skateboarder, traditional craftsperson, businesswoman, and style icon from the Navajo Nation. “I’ve rarely seen someone who looks like my family, my friends, or me in mainstream media. When spaces uplift those who look like you, it can inspire someone else to realize their potential – it’s crucial for us to amplify Indigenous peoples’ voices and their work.” Through her woven rugs and accessories, Glasses illustrates the beauty of the Diné lifestyle and communicates that “we can occupy any space: the world is ready to see us.”
Recently, she collaborated on a special bag designed with Sackcloth & Ashes and Rais Case, working with grassroots organization Chizh for Cheii to provide at-risk Diné elders with necessary aid. She continues to raise awareness about issues faced by the Navajo Nation, such as water scarcity.
On her list of inspiring women in travel: “It takes courage to decide to travel, to learn about a new place, a new culture, and at the same time respect the ones who live there and their way of life. I admire all women who are brave enough to travel the world and use their platform to bring awareness to a variety of causes.”
