Back in March, in a corner of London, we came together for a networking event within the Travel & Tourism sector. We gathered to celebrate women empowerment, diversity and inclusion. The onus of the evening was to specifically celebrate the power of hope and ability to strengthen the defences against the fear… is the HOPE not us?!

Gathering Forces & Local Voices

Travel Matters brought together their clients, peers and stakeholders from different corners of the travel world. The opportunity to raise a toast in person and have a relaxed chat is a valuable gift for such an important celebration, especially after the last couple of years.

I was pleasantly surprised to realise that the local voices I heard were not just the local Londoners’ voices – even though those were loud in abundance – but there were also voices delivered from distant lands, through the videos showcased during the evening. All profits from the event were donated to the Travel Matter’s chosen charity, Empart UK – their mission is to fulfil and provide new working opportunities to women.

As tourism professionals, as well as women, we shouldn’t forget that personal empowerment passes through financial independence, especially in places where women traditionally do not hold a position of relevance beyond the limits of the household. Today, some women still feel that society feels like an inaccessible VIP circle, whose entrance door continues to remain sealed to them.

During the event we were introduced to a third world where empowered women used their new tools, such as sewing machines, in modern environments...all with bright smiles on their faces. Acts, such as this, serve as a simple reminder to all of us; our passions and cultivated skills are our golden ticket to mental freedom and great achievements.

A precious thought to be nourished and shared!

The Screening

Besides the panel of experts and committed professionals invited to share their personal experiences & professional positions and strong opinions (mainly on gender equality), the event’s focal point was the display of two short documentaries about two young and inspiring female role models that had been directed by two upcoming female Directors – ‘Kamali’, directed by Sasha Rainbow and ‘Dive Tierra Bomba Dive’, directed by Joya Berrow & Lucy Jane. These short movies had been provided by one the events Sponsors, Minute Shorts.

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I would say that both documentaries provided an insightful and poetic zoom-in into two very powerful personal stories, and I believe that couldn’t be a more appropriate choice to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.

The two young protagonists have helped us to see their world with different eyes, while uplifting us with the strength of their personal passions – one by diving into the sea and appreciating of her coral reefs and the other by venturing bravely on a skateboard on dusty, unknown and male dominated streets.

From two distant locations we have been presented with two very different and equally important issues, both very close to Travel Matters’ interest and support. In India, the social discrimination and challenge of raising a rebellious-spirit filled daughter as a single mother; in Colombia, the pollution and gradual destruction of the marine environment surrounding the island of Tierra Bomba, crucial for the survival of the local community and the traditional fishing activities. Kamaliand Yassandra gifted us with the precious present of hope, showing us that no matter how huge the mountain may appear, it is possible to find a way to climb it. And when a 9-year old Kamali was faced with the steepness of a rocky wall, she could have easily surrendered to her fears - those being the harsh moral judgement of our local community or the macro-economic decisions of a world she cannot control.

In their own peculiar ways, the two protagonists warned us that we will always find strong reasons to feed the fears, whilst investing our energies into growing these fears, all whilst fighting the cruel and unfair reality that consumes our thoughts. However, the young women remind us that we could choose to let our passion speak louder, diverting the attention to the creative path instead, with joy and determination.

Paradoxically, when Kamali’s mother, Suganthi, openly shares her vulnerable side, she appears stronger than ever! With her tears washing away the weakness of forcing the same fate she had on her daughter. Instead, those nourishing tears (framed by a relieving smile) spread the love and the wish of a different future for her daughter. Her bravery is a gift to Kamali and other daughters, so that more girls tomorrow can choose their own path, breaking the heavy wall of the traditional expectations.

On her island, Yassandra’s financial constrains could be an obstacle in her journey in preserving the natural environment she feels so intimately connected to. And even facing what appears to be a dead road, she continues to push her dreams higher, imagining the future she aspires to create. Somehow, the uncertainty strengthens her desire to show the coral reef to her community, boosting their environmental awareness and converting them into defenders of their ecosystem.

The issue of gender equality, social disparity, the preservation of the biodiversity and respect for the local community’s quality of life are led in the documentaries by powerful women who carry a bigger mission than they realise. The trendsetters innovate and open new avenues through small changes in the mindset of their static society, providing a new perspective on life so that progressive solutions become visible...but they always start by breaking some bias we all carry within!

Breaking the Bias

We gathered to celebrate another year with full consciousness of our incomplete journey towards diversity, equality and inclusion – in tourism, as well as in the whole society. We also attended to plant more seeds and to make this day an everyday recurrence and an everyday challenge that everyone of us should initiate. This is why I welcome this year IWD’s theme, ‘#breakthebias’. This allows us to reflect on the deep personal roots of our developing society.

Because, what does it mean to break the bias, after all? The act of breaking them can only follow a clear and conscious acknowledgment. So, the real question is “What are those biases we need to break in order to live in a society with gender equality?”

Many biases are ones we carry from birth; which are reinforced by our society, traditions and work environments. Are we aware of them? Are we ready to let them go? A break is often needed to set us free, so that our deep passions can open the way to new experiences.

I admit that I left the screening with more questions than answers that night and with a revived sense of alert, blinking outward from my mind and soul. This made me reflect and realise the weight of my fears and how much I have taken for granted and accepted, as a woman. If you allow me, I would like to invite you to make a hopeful resolution for this coming year – let’s break our own bias, starting with the fears rooted inside us!

(By Elisa Spampinato, a Community Storyteller & Travel Writer)

An International Women's Day Hosted by Travel Matters (#breakthebias)