For International Women’s Day, we sat down with one of the inspiring women at Kantabile Afrika, Gloria, our Office & Operations Manager, to hear her story—how she found her path in tourism, the challenges she faced, and her advice for the next generation of women in the industry.
The woman who inspires her most
For Gloria, her greatest role model is her mother, a woman of strength, resilience, and kindness.
“She has gone through a lot in her life, yet she always keeps a positive attitude. She taught me to be myself, not just to go with the trend. She taught me to appreciate what I have and help others when they are in need. Who I am today is greatly impacted by her.”
Breaking barriers in tourism
Tourism and hospitality remain male-dominated industries, and for many women, balancing career and family life is one of the biggest challenges.
“I think the biggest issue that women in toursm are facing today is gender inequality, especially in the aspect of work-life balance. Without family support, many talented women are forced to step back from their careers.”
At Kantabile Afrika, we are working to change this narrative by creating a workplace that values work-life balance and supports women at every stage of their journey.
Overcoming gender stereotypes
Gloria’s career path wasn’t always accepted by those around her.
“When I told people I was studying Tourism Management, they said I was wrong. They expected me to become a nurse or a teacher because that’s what ‘educated girls’ do. Some even told me it would be hard for a woman to find a job in tourism.”
But Gloria didn’t give up. She connected with other women on her course, and immersed herself in the industry. With every step, her passion grew, proving that tourism is not just for men, but for any woman determined to follow her dreams.
Advice to young women in tourism
“Believe in your potential. Be yourself. Stand tall. Be Proud. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back, its never too late for you.”
Tourism offers endless opportunities, from hospitality and guiding, to conservation, and cultural preservation. Gloria encourages young women to pursue their passions and never let doubts stop them from achieving their goals.
How we can support women
Gloria believes that businesses, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in accelerating gender equality.
- Flexible work policies to help women balance career and family life.
- Safe working environments that are free from harassment and discrimination.
- Mentorship programs that connect young women with experienced female leaders.
- Raising awareness of women’s contributions in our communities.
At Kantabile Afrika, we are proud to be accelerating action for gender equality, hiring more women, creating leadership pathways, and ensuring that every woman in our team has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Together, let’s “Accelerate Action” for gender equality.
