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Tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal speaks at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday. (Photo/Tourism Ministry)

Govt launches programme to boost women's employment in tourism

Participants will complete a 3-month mentorship programme.

18 January 2024

Government on Thursday launched a programme to increase the number of women working in the tourism sector.

The Women for Tourism programme, part of the government's first 100-day pledges, was inaugurated by economic minister Mohamed Saeed at a ceremony held at Meeruma Hotel in Male.

The purpose of the programme is to provide relevant training to women interested in tourism.

  • Participants will complete a 3-month mentorship programme

  • Participants will be given the opportunity to pursue a career in the tourism industry

  • They will have the opportunity to work in resorts, hotels, guesthouses and dive centres

The programme will be conducted twice a year and is open to women who have completed a certificate level or diploma course.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal said the challenges faced by women in the tourism sector are many.

The industry is male dominated and the challenge is that women have to leave their families to work for extended periods of time, he said.

Overcoming these economic and cultural challenges, and increasing the number of women working in the sector is a priority for the government, the minister said said.

According to the 2022 census, the tourism industry employs 52,482 people. They include:

  • 15,597 of them are locals

  • Of these 15,597, only 891 are women

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