Participate in tourism, women urged

Mashonaland West Bureau
More women should participate in tourism in order to play a leading role in the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe, recently appointed national chairperson for Women in Tourism Mrs Idah Kamushinda has said.

In an interview recently, Mrs Kamushinda said women’s participation in tourism was in line with the African Union agenda which advocates for involvement of women in the development of nations. She said women must not feel inferior, but prove their capability in tourism circles.

“A woman is an epitome of human decorum, hence able to do anything as long as she is determined,” she said.

“Through tourism, a woman can improve the socio-economic development of a country.”

Mrs Kamushinda urged Zimbabwean women to take full advantage of opportunities presented by Government through policies that ensure that they are economically empowered.

“Government has enough faith in women and that is why it continues introducing policies that acknowledge their potential towards national development,” she said.

Mrs Kamushinda said she aimed at improving and uplifting the livelihoods of the rural women through domestic tourism.

One of the initiatives under the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in encouraging domestic tourism is the establishment of cultural villages — Korekore Village — being constructed in Alaska.

This, she said, would be achieved by structuring district committees to reach all women in the country.

“I would like to urge provincial and district leaders of women initiatives to be confident, trustworthy and transparent as they discharge their duties at all levels,” she said.

Mrs Kamushinda, who is also a media practitioner, was recently selected as the national executive chairperson of Women in Tourism initiative, whose patron is First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.