Mr LEE KUAN YEW - Advocating Racial and Gender Equality in Tourism

Tricia Barnett and Equality in Tourism International

Session Reflections: Role models delivering racial and/or gender equality Identify and research a figure (academics, politicians, entrepreneurs, activists, celebrities, athletes etc.) who have advocated (or is currently advocating) for racial and/or gender equality and created (or is creating) positive changes directly or indirectly in shaping the current form of tourism. TITTLE: Mr LEE KUAN YEW former Prime Minister of Singapore example: As the first organisation fighting for women equality in the tourism industry, Tricia Barnett has contributed significantly to help women voice out their concern. As the Co-founder of Equality in Tourism International, she is a strong believer in gender equality and takes part in ensuring fair play within the tourism industry. Barnett understands that though women are a significant element and account more than fifty per cent in the tourism sector, mostly landed in unskilled jobs with much lower income as compared to men. To start, Barnett targetted the hotel industry. She sought participation from hotels to engage women with the same standard as men. Neither one should be at disadvantaged. Although some hotels partake to fight inequality, there is still a long way to go for Barnett. Subsequently, she turned her focus to a less developed country; Tanzania. There, she aims to empower women with coaching to produce products. This way, marginalised farmers would be able to generate revenue themselves by selling goods directly to hotels in Kilimanjaro. Through this initiative, it is reported that income has increased and provided women with the means of savings. Additionally, 120 women in the village are reportedly trained with new farming skills. Reference Lewis, K. (2019, November 25). Interview with Tricia Barnett, co-founder of Equality in Tourism International