Empowering Women: Minister Highlights Their Vital Contribution to the Tourism Industry

In recent discussions regarding the vital role of women in Iran’s tourism sector, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, highlighted the significant contributions women make to this industry. With women holding a substantial portion of management positions and responsibilities in tourism, it is clear that they are key drivers of growth and development in this field.

During a gathering dedicated to influential women in tourism, attended by the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, at the Sa’dabad Historical and Cultural Complex, Salehi-Amiri emphasized the following key points:

• Women’s Representation: Women make up between 30% to 40% of management roles in hotels and 60% of ecotourism management.
• Tourism Capacity: Women are responsible for 30% of tour guiding capacity and 50% of travel agency operations.
• Empowerment and Equality: The Minister stressed the necessity for women to have equal access to government roles, asserting that their involvement is crucial for societal development.

Salehi-Amiri stated, “Our approach is to entrust the work to women. We must move beyond the approach of petrification and inaction and accept that anyone who is worthy can be the standard-bearer. The fact is that wherever we entrusted work to the women, we were successful.”

He further remarked on the motivation of Iranian women to demonstrate their capabilities, noting that progress cannot be achieved without the full participation of women in society. “We must believe that in a society, humanity has an identity. The Iranian government believes in the presence of women in power,” he added, emphasizing the importance of gender equality.

Salehi-Amiri condemned the instrumental view of women, asserting, “No one has the right to use this capacity instrumentally; it is the right of women to occupy half of the management positions.” His passionate call for recognizing women’s contributions highlighted the positive outcomes encountered when women are trusted with responsibilities.

In a celebratory tone, he declared, “This week is a week of celebration and joy for the Iranian tourism community, and we will hold programs with the presence of women and men active in this industry.” This statement underscores the commitment to not only celebrate but also promote women’s roles in tourism.

Another prominent speaker, Behrouz-Azar, also shared her insights during the event. She noted the importance of family bonding during travel, stating, “Families spend more time with each other during travel. We should introduce Iran to the future generation.”

She emphasized the historical recognition of women, referencing ancient Achaemenid tablets that illustrate the respect given to women. “We pursue maternal privileges in the government, but at the same time, women’s demands were pursued,” she explained, acknowledging the longstanding presence and contributions of women in Iranian society.

Behrouz-Azar highlighted the constitutional rights of women, referencing Article 10, which states that all individuals are under equal legal protection, and Article 21, which specifically addresses women’s rights. She noted that the President has emphasized the utilization of women’s potential, with over 20 management positions currently held by women, including four at the deputy level.

Highlighting the importance of family trips, she remarked, “A child feels safe in an environment that is less familiar only with the family. The feeling of seeing new places and new experiences with the family is very important to him. This happens during travel. In today’s family, more than anything, we need family members to spend time together.”

Behrouz-Azar reiterated the need for families to understand and appreciate the beauty of Iran, stating, “When we talk about Iran, we should know Iran because our country has four seasons. These are things that our children and the future generation should know.”

In conclusion, the discussions led by Salehi-Amiri and Behrouz-Azar reflect a growing recognition of the essential role women play in Iran’s tourism sector. Their contributions not only enhance the industry but also foster a more inclusive and equitable society, paving the way for future generations to thrive.