HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS AFFECTING WOMEN IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Kenya Association of Women in Tourism
KAWT is an AWARD WINNING, non-profit Association enabling women’s empowerment via employment & participation in tourism.
Women are disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of climate change, as they often work in industries that are more vulnerable to climate change impacts. Travel and tourism have been proven to provide women with more opportunities for empowerment compared to other industries, giving the sector increased responsibility for the advancement of women. Women in these industries are affected in distinct ways due to their roles and vulnerabilities. Women are over-represented in manual or low productivity sectors, such as agriculture, and underrepresented in high-productivity sectors, such as business services. International Labor Organization (ILO)data also show that women are more likely to be in marginal part-time work.
Here are some ways in which climate change is affecting women in tourism and hospitality:
Job insecurity: Climate change can lead to extreme weather events, natural disasters, and seasonal variations that disrupt tourism activities. Women, particularly those in lower-wage and part-time positions, may be more vulnerable to job losses during these disruptions, leading to increased job insecurity and income instability. The Asian Development Bank states that due to the low rate of women’s participation in the labor force and that women are mostly self-employed in the informal economy; they are more likely than men to live in the poorest households. This makes them more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which can also exacerbate gender inequalities and limit women’s economic opportunities.
As the areas mentioned previously are affected by climate change, they have economic consequences. Women may have limited access to resources such as land, credit, and technology, which can limit their ability to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impacts. As water becomes scarcer, women may have to spend more time and energy collecting it, which can limit their opportunities to engage in income-generating activities and education. And women are often the primary caregivers for children, the sick, and the elderly, and are therefore more likely to be exposed to health risks associated with climate change.
Health risks: Women in the hospitality industry, such as housekeepers and food service workers, may face increased health risks due to climate change. For example, heatwaves and extreme temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, and women in these roles may be more exposed to such conditions. Vulnerability to climate-related diseases and violence make women are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, such as food insecurity. Heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes can result in injury or death, especially for women who lack access to adequate shelter and healthcare. Additionally, these events can also lead to the spread of disease, as contaminated water and damaged infrastructure can increase the risk of infectious diseases.
Displacement and migration: Climate change can lead to the displacement of communities and the destruction of tourism infrastructure, affecting the livelihoods of those working in the industry. Women who rely on tourism-related jobs in vulnerable regions may be forced to migrate or seek employment in other sectors, often with limited opportunities and lower wages. In many cultures, women bear the primary responsibility for household tasks, and climate-related disruptions can exacerbate their workloads. For example, if a woman is employed in the tourism sector and her home is affected by climate change, she may need to allocate more time and energy to recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Unequal access to resources: In the face of climate change, access to resources like education, training, and financial support becomes crucial for adaptation and resilience. Women in the tourism and hospitality industry may face barriers to accessing these resources, limiting their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Economic impacts will probably include less income as destinations degrade, tourism decreases, and tourism-related services and travelling become more expensive. These impacts will minimize employment and self-employment opportunities.
Vulnerability to violence: Research indicates that women and girls are up to 14 times more likely to be harmed during a disaster. Natural disasters and extreme weather events can increase the risk of violence and exploitation, and women in the industry may be particularly vulnerable. Disruptions in tourism can lead to economic stress, which can, in turn, exacerbate gender-based violence. Women are also more likely to face gender-based violence and exploitation as they travel further to find resources in times of scarcity. Additionally, climate-induced disasters can exacerbate gender inequalities, making women more vulnerable to gender-based violence.
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To address these challenges, it's important to consider gender-responsive policies and initiatives within the tourism and hospitality industry. This might include providing women with access to training and resources for climate resilience, promoting women's leadership and entrepreneurship, and implementing workplace policies that account for the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women in the sector. Additionally, addressing climate change itself through mitigation and adaptation efforts is crucial to reducing the overall impact on women and their livelihoods in tourism and hospitality. On the positive side, climate change can create opportunities for women in tourism and hospitality to become entrepreneurs and leaders in sustainable and eco-friendly tourism initiatives. Women-led businesses that focus on sustainability, conservation, and adaptation strategies can thrive in the changing tourism landscape.
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