Lara Vokai, resort manager, Nukubati Great Sea Reef, told delegates at yesterday’s International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum: “In Fiji, we are vulnerable, it’s our everyday life. As Pacific Islanders, we have to think about where we get the water to make a cup of tea.”
She was taking part in a panel discussion entitled: “The climate crisis is impacting women in travel and tourism, and everyone should be concerned!”
Fellow panellist Dr Susanne Etti, global environmental impact manager, Intrepid Travel, said the climate emergency impacted women in developing countries more because they are the primary caregivers. “Women collect water, they gather wood for fuel. Women have a vested interest [in the crisis] because these tasks will get harder.”
Vokai added that this role as custodians of traditional knowledge made women vital to researchers. “Researchers can’t do anything without information about what’s happening on the ground.”
The panel also spoke about the importance of education for women and having positive role models.
“I’m running my family business in a male-dominated society. I have the confidence to know I can do it because I watched my mother do it,” explained Vokai.
Kathy Morrissey, director of planning and insights at Stansted airport, urged the industry to take a strong line with countries that don’t respect women’s rights, while also making the point that diverse perspectives are needed to solve the climate emergency when it comes to boardroom decision-making.
“Women have the ability to relate to other women affected by the climate crisis,” she said. “A diverse group of people are more likely to come up with more innovative answers. Don’t allow the loudest voices to dominate. Often the quietest voice in the corner asks the killer question. Listen more and understand the lived experience of women in both business and rural communities.”
