Sports Tourism knows no GENDER

Anini-y, Antique- Mainstreaming gender in all sectors is a strategic approach to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls. The concerns on gender inequalities are still deep-rooted in every society that women and girls are not well represented in the political and economic decision-making processes. But nowadays, there have been a lot of efforts made to recognize the potential of women in the development.

In the tourism sector, gender and development is mainstreamed in all aspects of the development process ensuring that no one is being left behind. The initiatives are not only made to protect and secure the safety of women and girls in the industry but ensuring that they are represented and are drivers for change.

In different sub-sectors of tourism, stereotypically, extreme sport is male-dominated but to ensure inclusivity in this kind of activity, Department of Tourism Region VI in partnership with the offices of Senator Loren Legarda and Congressman AA Legarda bring Western Visayas Open Water Kruhay! Antique – a sports tourism activity that promotes SDG 5 where women and girls are welcome to vie on par with male swimmers and even other genders.

This coming April 26-27, 2025 at Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique, women and girls swimmers from different places in the country will prove that Open Water Swim has no gender. The strength and endurance of a swimmer is not measured by its biological attributes nor by age. One who finishes the race is already a winner and one who joins and supports the advocacy for gender equality is a victor.

Moreover, the event will also showcase the local products of the province of Antique which are made by women tourism stakeholders – a great opportunity to promote their products in a larger scale and to recognize their women economic empowerment.

So join us in the Western Visayas Open Water Kruhay! Antique and together, let’s achieve SDG 5!