Women working in Nepal’s tourism sector are stepping into stronger roles, thanks to the continuous efforts of Tourism Sisterhood Nepal Association, a common platform for women active in tourism. Established in 2018, the association has been consistently working to enhance women’s professional capacity and promote sustainable, responsible tourism across the country.
Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Tourism
Marking its 7th anniversary, the association organized a special event today where President Junu Malekhu highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to increasing women’s participation in tourism.
“From the very beginning, our goal has been to empower women in tourism, strengthen their skills, and encourage them to take leadership roles,” Malekhu said. She emphasized that responsible and sustainable tourism is not possible without meaningful inclusion and leadership of women within the industry. The association continues to support women working in trekking, guiding, hospitality, aviation, and other tourism-related fields, helping them gain confidence and professional recognition.
Providing Free Training and Support for Vulnerable Women
Former President Anupa Budhathoki shared that the association has been providing free training programs to women to help them enter or grow within the tourism sector. These trainings include hospitality skills, guiding techniques, safety awareness, leadership development, and wellness practices.
She added that the organization also supports economically disadvantaged students who are studying tourism, helping them continue their education and build a career in the field. This initiative has been instrumental in opening doors for young women who lack financial resources.
Promoting Safe Travel for Women Across Nepal
Beyond capacity-building, Tourism Sisterhood Nepal Association is also focused on ensuring safe mobility for women travelers. Over the years, the organization has led several destination-based awareness trips to demonstrate how women can travel confidently and safely in Nepal.
Last year, the association organized a special trip to Rara, one of Nepal’s most remote and stunning destinations. The journey was documented as a short film, which has since been widely promoted on social media, inspiring hundreds of women to travel independently and responsibly.
Wellness Tourism to Enhance Holistic Empowerment
On the occasion of its 7th anniversary, the association, in collaboration with NIMMI Wellness Center, hosted a one-hour sound healing session to promote the growing concept of wellness tourism. The program encouraged women to explore mental, emotional, and physical well-being as an integral part of travel experiences. Wellness tourism, the organizers said, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and Nepal has immense potential to grow in this sector.
A Network of Nearly 100 Active Women
In just seven years, Tourism Sisterhood Nepal Association has built a vibrant community of nearly 100 active women working across different areas of tourism. The organization aims to continue expanding its network, advocating for equal opportunities, and uplifting women who dream of shaping Nepal’s tourism landscape.
With its focus on empowerment, safety, education, and sustainable development, the association stands as a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives can transform lives and contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s tourism future.
