As we commemorate Interna­tional Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme: ‘Accelerate Action,’ it is an opportune moment to reflect on the strides we have made towards gender equality in Ghana’s tourism sector while recognising the work still ahead.

Women have long been the back­bone of our tourism industry, yet for years, many of them operated in the shadows, their contributions under­valued.

Today, that narrative is changing, but we must hasten our efforts to ensure greater representation of women at the decision-making table and in all aspects of economic em­powerment.

The tourism landscape in Ghana is remarkably shaped by wom­en. A sizable number of tour operators are women-led, and I am proud to note that the Executive Council of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) comprises more women than ever before.

This is a testament to the strength, re­silience and business acumen of Ghanaian women, who continue to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

At the public lead­ership level, Ghana has made historic progress by swearing in its first female Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang. Her pres­ence at the highest levels of governance signals a shift towards greater inclusion and presents a beacon of hope for women aspiring to occupy leadership positions.

Additionally, the appointment of Ms Dzifa Gomashie as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, alongside Mrs Maame Efua Houad­jeto as the new CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, reinforces the growing influence of women in the sector.

Their leadership will undoubtedly shape policies that create more op­portunities for women in tourism.

However, these milestones must not be the end of our journey toward gender equality but rather fuel our determination to accelerate progress. Women form a significant portion of Ghana’s tourism workforce, from tour operators to hospitality managers, ar­tisans, and cultural en­trepreneurs.

Yet, when it comes to key decision-making roles, the numbers remain discouraging. Women must not only be participants in the industry but must also have a voice in shaping its policies, invest­ments and strategic direction.

The theme: ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for more than just recognition; it demands tangible steps toward em­powering women in every endeavour, including tourism.

Addressing Key Challenges

Access to Capital: One of the most significant barriers facing women in tourism is limited access to capi­tal. Many women-led businesses struggle to secure funding due to systemic biases in financial institutions.

We must push for gender-inclusive financial policies, create dedicated funding schemes for women entre­preneurs and en­sure that women in tourism have the necessary resources to expand their businesses.

Closing the Pay Gap: Despite the increasing pres­ence of women in the tourism workforce, wage disparities remain a pressing issue.

Women often earn significantly less than their male counter­parts, even in leadership roles.

Addressing this imbalance requires com­prehensive wage transparency policies, equi­table salary structures and on­going mon­itoring to ensure fair compensation for all.

Training and Capacity Building: Providing women with access to skills training, mentorship, and leadership development programmes is crucial in empowering them to take on deci­sion-making roles.

Investment in educational initia­tives tailored to women in tour­ism will equip them with the tools needed to succeed in a competitive industry.

Representation in Decision-Making: Having more women in leadership po­sitions is essential for shaping policies that are inclusive and beneficial for all.

We must advocate for gender-bal­anced representation in industry associations, government bodies and corporate boards.

Women’s voices must be heard at every level where tourism policies and strategies are determined.

Workplace Equity and Safety: En­suring safe and equitable workplaces for women in tourism is non-negotia­ble.

This includes implementing work­place policies that prevent harass­ment, creating family-friendly work environments and offering flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.

A Call to Action

On this International Women’s Day, I urge all stakeholders—government, private sector players and industry leaders—to commit to actionable change.

Let us work together to create an inclusive tourism industry where women are not just contributors but decision-makers. The time for passive advocacy is over; the time to acceler­ate action is now.

We need clear policies, measurable goals and firm commitments to break down barriers and build a tourism sector where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we can accelerate action for gender equality and ensure that Ghana’s tourism industry becomes a model of inclusivity and empower­ment. Happy International Women’s Day to us all!

The writer is the President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).

By Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah