Women in tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina are breaking barriers and shaping the future

The first conference of its kind dedicated to women in tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, titled "Women in Tourism: Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future," was held on 13 March in Sarajevo. The event aimed to promote gender equality and foster the economic empowerment of women within the tourism sector.

The event convened key stakeholders from the tourism industry, including representatives from tourism companies, government bodies, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and international organizations. Through two panel discussions, the conference delved into vital themes of tourism development, with a particular focus on the contributions of women to Bosnia and Herzegovina's tourism landscape.

Courtney Chubb, USAID Mission Director in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the fact that when women succeed, businesses and society thrives: “Together, we can create a tourism sector that is inclusive, empowering, and acts as a catalyst for the economic prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, said Chubb.

“This groundbreaking conference challenges the tourism industry to break stereotypes and foster an environment where women can truly thrive. By partnering with USAID Tourism to implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles, a flagship initiative of UN Women, in the BiH tourism sector, we are committed to support women in reaching their full potential”, said Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women Representative in BiH, adding that “empowering women in tourism not only advances gender equality but also drives economic growth by cultivating a dynamic, diverse, and skilled workforce.”

The first panel discussion centered on women's empowerment, inclusion, and equality in tourism. Panelists emphasized the urgency of overcoming gender barriers within the industry and promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Dragana Kokot, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpska, reflected on the broader economic benefits of empowering women to engage in economic activities. She stressed the dual benefits of empowering women to become economically self-sufficient while also providing the economy with new sources of labor, knowledge, and innovation.

The second panel discussion focused on encouraging women's entrepreneurship in tourism, addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and exploring the types of support available to women who want to start their own tourism businesses.

In addition to the panels, the conference featured a Handicraft Products Fair, showcasing the work of 15 women entrepreneurs from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Attendees had the opportunity to sample homemade delicacies and purchase high-quality handmade products, supporting women's entrepreneurship while experiencing the diverse creativity that enriches Bosnia and Herzegovina's tourism offerings.

The event was organized by UN Women BiH and the US Government through the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Sustainable Tourism Development Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina.