The trailblazing tour leader inspiring other women to follow her path
In Kenya, it can be challenging working in the tourism industry as a woman. I am a female tour leader in a man’s world, writes Intrepid Travel’s Darlene Adaji.
People here generally don’t understand what being a feminist means, but I do not shy away from identifying myself as one. I want to see women and men get equal opportunities in the industry and for more women to feel empowered to travel.
In high school, I started learning about the environment and animals and realised I love travelling. A teacher told me if you want to travel, the best industry for you to work in is the tourism industry, so that’s what I did.
I have been in the industry for about 18 years both in hotels and customer service, but then decided I wanted to be on the road. I started working for Intrepid Travel in 2017 and I lead tours around East Africa, including in Kenya and Uganda.
Every day is different, and it can be tough being on the road, but it is also rewarding. I was the first woman to lead Gorilla Treks in Uganda. No matter how many times I see gorillas, I get the same feeling as the first time. It’s humbling and emotional.
The number of women working in the tourism industry is growing, but the job is not always easy for us. While Intrepid is a great supporter, wider perceptions in Africa make it more difficult.
Some women’s partners don’t like them being away for long periods of time on trips and women can be judged for being married and on the road. Some women don’t return to work after having children. I want to advocate for women to break the barriers in this industry. If I can do it, other women can too.
I have been back to my college to speak to students. Many of the girls wanted to work in an office because they didn’t think women could travel. One of them then went on to become a tour guide.
When I’m leading trips for Intrepid, I use my job to educate travellers from around the world about what life is like for women in East Africa. As well as talking to customers about the environment and animals, I talk to them about what it’s like to be a single mother – which still faces a stigma in Kenya. I teach them about female genital mutilation (FGM) and other challenges for women here.
I see first-hand how tourism can help change lives for women.
On Intrepid’s Kenya itineraries we visit the Tepesua community village which Hellen Nkuraiya set up. She is a Maasai who was a victim of FGM. Widows who can never remarry or have lost their cows to drought live at the village, which provides them with support, safety, and economic growth. The women make handicrafts to sell to visiting tourists. Funds go towards the Enkiteng Lepa school, also set up by Hellen, for girls at risk of FGM or being married young.
While things are improving in tourism for women in East Africa, we still have a way to go until we have equality. I want to see more women not only as trip leaders on the road but in managerial positions as well. Equal pay for men and women is also important.
I will continue to use my voice and hold the hand of any other women who want to follow the same path as me.
Darlene Adaji is one of Intrepid’s most experienced tour leaders in East Africa.
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