Lifestyle
Tourism Stakeholders in Kalibo Take the Challenge to Become Gender Sensitive
Kalibo, Aklan- In celebration of Women’s Month, tourism stakeholders from various establishments in Kalibo, Aklan gathered on March 21, 2025, at Cafe Latte for a Gender Sensitivity Orientation conducted by the Department of Tourism Region VI.
This initiative is part of the TourISM WoRCS (Tourism Integrates, Supports, and Minds Women’s Rights and Child Safety) program, which promotes awareness among tourism stakeholders on Gender and Development (GAD) and laws protecting women and children.
The one-day orientation emphasized the vital roles women play in society—whether in their productive or reproductive capacities, or through their involvement in the community. It highlighted the importance of recognizing the status of women in the tourism industry and how stakeholders can become agents of empowerment.
Participants also discussed emerging gender issues in the sector and explored how collaboration between public and private institutions can help address these challenges. A key activity was learning how to identify red flags for trafficking, exploitation, and other illegal activities, promoting vigilance and proactive prevention within tourism spaces.
While gender sensitivity can’t be achieved overnight, this orientation marks a step forward. With continuous learning—and unlearning—tourism stakeholders can be powerful drivers of gender equality and equity in the industry.
