Transforming Tourism: Key Findings from Vancouver Island
Imagine a tourism industry where women lead with confidence and creativity, fostering growth and opportunity. While this goal may seem ambitious, it's within reach. Achieving gender equality in tourism requires understanding challenges and committing to meaningful action.
Our Vancouver Island study, done in partnership with 4VI, reveals challenges and transformative opportunities that extend beyond the region. The barriers identified are influenced by intersecting factors like race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, affecting various groups uniquely. These insights provide valuable lessons for all settings and offer a roadmap for a more dynamic, inclusive industry. Let's explore these findings and see how they can drive impactful change.
What We Discovered: The Revolutionary Insights
While some of the findings may not be new, they affirm what many of us have long suspected about the challenges women face in tourism. Our Vancouver Island study highlights these critical issues and the pressing need for transformative change:
The Leadership Gap
Despite making significant strides, women still face barriers to reaching top leadership positions. This underrepresentation is a widespread issue, not limited to Vancouver Island. Elevating female leaders and fully harnessing their potential is crucial for advancing DEIA across industries.
Addressing Pay Equity
The persistent gender pay gap remains a major issue, with women in tourism often earning less than their male counterparts. Addressing this disparity is essential for achieving fairness and equity in compensation.
Providing Development Opportunities
Professional growth for women is frequently hindered by limited resources. Expanding access to mentorship and training is vital for unlocking female talent and promoting equitable career advancement.
Empowering Indigenous Women
Indigenous women play a vital role in tourism. However, only 20% (On Vancouver Island) have access to formal mentorship. Establishing a network that honours Indigenous traditions and facilitates connections among women leaders is crucial.
Elevating Women Entrepreneurs
While Vancouver Island boasts many inspiring women entrepreneurs in tourism, they face substantial obstacles. Enhanced support, such as initiatives like the Forum Series for Women Entrepreneurs, is needed to help these trailblazers succeed and contribute to a more inclusive industry.
The Pandemic’s Impact
COVID disproportionately affected women in tourism, with many leaving the workforce. Creating supportive environments to encourage their return is crucial as we rebuild and promote equity in the recovery process.
What We Can Do: The Goal
These findings are not just confirmation of what we’ve suspected—they are a call to action. Here’s how we can start making a real impact:
Set Ambitious Goals: Embrace initiatives like the 50/30 Challenge to boost female representation in leadership roles.
Promote Flexibility: Develop family-friendly and flexible work policies to enhance work-life balance and retain top talent.
Expand Mentorship: Support and grow mentorship programs to guide women in their career advancement.
Address Housing Issues: Advocate for affordable housing in tourism communities to improve workers’ well-being.
Enhance Development Opportunities: Increase access to education and professional development, including financial support for continued learning.
Close the Pay Gap: Regularly assess pay equity and implement fair pay practices.
Use Gender-Based Analysis: Apply frameworks to guide policy development and address equity comprehensively.
Invest in Research: Fund studies to understand why women leave the industry and how to better retain and develop female talent.
Join the Movement
Our study not only illuminates the challenges but also offers a revolutionary roadmap for change that can be applied everywhere. By embracing these recommendations, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and thriving tourism industry.