Kazakhstan Joins UN Tourism’s Centre Stage Initiative to Empower Women in Almaty’s Thriving Tourism Sector

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Women have long played a vital role in forming Kazakhstani society. Kazakh women have played a significant role in family life, culture, and the region’s economic activity since the time of the nomadic traditions. Women in the Almaty region have also made significant contributions to the growth of the tourism industry in recent years. Nevertheless, despite their enormous contributions, there are still obstacles that prevent them from fully engaging in and progressing within the industry.

Women’s advancement in the tourism sector has been hampered by these barriers, which include low financial investment, insufficient training opportunities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Despite these obstacles, a large number of Almaty women are still spearheading innovation and sustainability in the industry, making the city a major force in the world of tourism. Recognising the importance of women’s involvement, the United Nations (UN) Tourism has introduced Kazakhstan to its Centre Stage initiative, a flagship programme designed to address these issues and support the empowerment of women in the tourism industry.

Centre Stage Initiative: A New Era for Women in Tourism

The Centre Stage initiative provides targeted support to governments and tourism businesses, with a primary focus on creating more opportunities for women’s empowerment and professional growth. Through this collaboration, Almaty has emerged as a focal point for these efforts, with local tourism businesses, civil society organizations, and government entities all coming together to champion women’s contributions to the tourism sector.

The initiative’s goal is clear: to bring visibility to the vital role women play in Kazakhstan’s tourism industry while creating more opportunities for them to advance in their careers. Through a combination of awareness campaigns, training programmes, and partnerships, the Centre Stage initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and tourism professionals with the skills and resources necessary for leadership positions.

Promoting Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality

At the heart of this partnership is the commitment to gender equality and empowering women to lead. Almaty’s tourism sector has already seen significant progress in this area, with women taking on critical roles in sustainable tourism and local businesses. However, much work remains to be done, particularly in terms of ensuring that women have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

The collaboration between Kazakhstan and UN Tourism will focus on several key initiatives aimed at providing women with more opportunities for leadership, skill development, and business growth. One of the key aspects of the Centre Stage programme is the introduction of a series of training initiatives aimed at up to 200 tourism professionals in the Almaty region. These programmes are designed to build both soft and technical skills in women, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in leadership roles within the tourism industry.

Regional Conference on Empowerment and Awareness Raising

A significant part of the Centre Stage programme will be a regional conference focused on the empowerment of women in tourism, set to take place on 22-23 October. This event will bring together leaders from across Europe to discuss strategies for advancing women’s roles in tourism, share success stories, and develop actionable plans for increasing female representation in decision-making positions.

The conference will also serve as a platform for women entrepreneurs in tourism to network, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will enhance their business growth. In addition to the conference, an awareness-raising campaign will be launched, highlighting the critical contributions that women make to Kazakhstan’s tourism sector and the economy at large. The campaign will aim to change societal attitudes towards women in leadership, promoting greater acceptance of their roles in shaping the future of the industry.

The ‘Call for Action’ to Support Women Entrepreneurs

As part of the Centre Stage initiative, the city of Almaty will launch the ‘Call for Action’ for women in tourism. This bold new measure will introduce a series of measures designed to directly support women-owned businesses and encourage gender-responsive policies within the local tourism sector. These measures will include financial incentives, tailored training programmes, and policies aimed at ensuring that women have equal access to funding and decision-making platforms.

One of the main objectives of the ‘Call for Action’ is to introduce gender-responsive budgeting in the tourism sector. This initiative will ensure that women’s needs and perspectives are incorporated into financial and policy decisions at both local and national levels. It will also help to create a more inclusive environment for women in tourism, where they can access the support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

Building a Sustainable Future Through Empowerment

Through this partnership, UN Tourism and Kazakhstan aim to create a future where women’s leadership is the driving force behind sustainable tourism in the region. Empowering women in tourism is not only beneficial for the industry but is also essential for driving innovation, inclusivity, and long-term economic growth. Women’s leadership has been proven to have a positive impact on communities, helping to foster inclusive economic development and ensuring that tourism benefits everyone.

The commitment to empowering women in Almaty’s tourism industry also extends beyond business. It is a vital step towards making tourism a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable sector. As the city continues to grow as a tourism hub, the role of women in shaping its future cannot be overstated. With the support of UN Tourism, Almaty’s women are poised to lead the charge in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.

A Bright Future for Women in Almaty’s Tourism Sector

In the continuous struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the travel industry, Kazakhstan’s participation in the Center Stage initiative represents a significant turning point. The collaboration with UN Tourism gives women the resources, know-how, and self-assurance they need to thrive while offering real answers to the problems they encounter in the industry. This partnership will surely have a long-term effect on the travel and tourism sector, not just in Kazakhstan but also throughout the region, as women continue to be essential in promoting sustainable tourism in Almaty.

The Centre Stage program is influencing a future in which tourism serves as a catalyst for social change and economic growth by advancing gender equality and providing women with the tools they need to take the lead.