Story by Yolanda Moyo
A landmark declaration aimed at accelerating gender equality in Africa’s tourism sector has been adopted at the close of the 2nd United Nations Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism, held in Victoria Falls.
Delegates endorsed the Victoria Falls Statement on Structural Change for Women in Tourism in Africa as a blueprint for reform, inclusion and sustainable growth.
The declaration, reached after days of high-level deliberations, now sets the tone for coordinated action, linking policy commitments with practical interventions designed to address longstanding structural barriers facing women in tourism.
Participants at the congress expressed optimism that the outcomes would translate into tangible change.
“Access to funding has always been a challenge. If this is implemented, it will change lives, especially in rural communities. We also need these policies to move quickly from paper to practice, especially for young women entering the sector,” one of the participants said.
Another echoed the call for implementation, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration.
“This has been a powerful platform for women in tourism. What we now need is implementation at country level. Access to finance remains a challenge, but I am encouraged by the focus on innovation and digital tools. We have shared experiences across Africa, and that solidarity is what will drive real change.”
Central to the outcomes is the adoption of the Victoria Falls Statement on Structural Change for Women in Tourism in Africa, a framework anchored on four pillars of action.
“These include reform and accountability through the production of sex-disaggregated data and gender-responsive budgeting; a mentorship programme under UN Tourism with support from Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee to build leadership capacity; expanded access to finance and digital innovation for women-led enterprises; and strengthened solidarity and advocacy, positioning WITLAC as a unified voice working alongside the African Union,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa noted.
The UN Tourism Executive Director, Mr Liu Shijun underscored both progress and persistent inequalities in the sector.
“Tourism offers significant opportunities for economic and social empowerment for women across Africa. While the number of women in leadership is gradually increasing, disparities remain in areas such as access to finance, technology and employment in segments like tourism and transport. The gender pay gap also remains a concern, with women in hospitality earning less than men on average,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Honourable Barbra Rwodzi positioned the outcomes within the country’s broader development agenda.
“We are aligning rural and women-led tourism businesses with our national vision of attaining an upper middle-income economy. Through tourism and gastronomy, we are integrating communal farmers into the value chain while formalising home-based accommodation and supporting the growth of small enterprises into larger businesses,” she said.
The success of the Victoria Falls Statement will ultimately depend on sustained political will, financing and cross-border collaboration to ensure women across Africa’s tourism value chain are not only included but empowered to lead.
