Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has urged African governments to implement stronger policy measures and increase investment to expand women’s leadership in the tourism sector, citing persistent gaps in representation despite women’s significant participation in the industry.
Speaking at the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa, Ghana’s minister for tourism, culture and creative arts said women continue to play a central role across tourism, culture and hospitality but remain underrepresented in decision-making and executive positions.
She pointed to structural constraints as key barriers preventing women from advancing into leadership roles.
Gomashie noted Ghana’s efforts to address these challenges through initiatives aimed at improving access to funding, strengthening entrepreneurship support systems and expanding capacity-building programmes for women in the sector.
According to her, women are deeply embedded in Ghana’s tourism value chain, contributing significantly to areas such as festivals, cuisine, fashion and hospitality, making their advancement critical to the sector’s overall growth.
She urged that improving gender inclusion at leadership levels could enhance productivity, innovation and competitiveness, particularly as African countries position tourism as a driver of economic diversification and job creation.
The minister said sustained policy alignment and targeted investment will be required to close the leadership gap and ensure that women’s contributions translate into greater influence within the sector.
