As a network of hospitality and catering training centers promoting the professional integration of disadvantaged students, ASSET-H&C supports its members in offering better chances to succeed to the most vulnerable.
Globally, one fifth of young people are considered “not in employment, education, or training” (NEET). Two out of every three of these NEETs are young women. Women also face multiple barriers preventing them from thriving in the workplace. The hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry is a major employer of women globally, particularly in the Mekong region. Yet, gender inequities, stereotypes, and discrimination deter women from seizing opportunities for decent work, equal pay, and representation in decision-making roles within the sector.
Over the previous months, ASSET-H&C has collaborated with Plan International on a research study titled “Valued. Paid. Recognized.”. It is centered on the question “What good practices have enterprises adopted in the H&T sector in the Mekong region to promote the economic empowerment of women workers, especially young women?”.
The research draws upon key publications on women’s empowerment, gender equality and women’s position in the H&T sector, especially in the Mekong region. Insights from key informant interviews with five members of ASSET-H&C network have also served to augment existing knowledge surrounding the research question as well as to validate initial findings from the literature.
It has been widely demonstrated that investing in women and striving to ensure their equal participation in the economy and job market not only brings great returns on investment but also recoups the lost potential economic contribution of women.
To truly include and benefit women at the same level as men, it calls for proactive actions and greater dedication to creating social impacts from private entities in the H&T sector in the Mekong region. Meanwhile, guidance from government and support from non-profit organisations are also required to ensure that barriers are lifted and opportunities more accessible.
Through this research, ASSET-H&C and its members are pleased to contribute to such an important debate. The findings of this research was officially released during a webinar on 16 th December and is now available for download on ASSET-H&C website.
The recording of the official launch of “Valued. Paid. Recognized.” research study is available here: https://youtu.be/hCSvDZTQc80.
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