In an effort to highlight the vital role of women in shaping the future of travel, Intrepid has introduced its ongoing campaign, Wouldn’t Be Here Without Her, which began on International Women’s Day, March 8th. The campaign aims to honor women who have gone beyond merely choosing a career path—they’ve paved their own.
The newly launched webpage gives travelers a chance to meet some of the incredible women who have made their mark in the travel industry.
Here are a few stories featured in the campaign:
Renu Sharma: Empowering Women Drivers in India
Renu Sharma is a trailblazer in India’s transportation sector. Ten years ago, when Access Development sought women drivers for a female-led e-rickshaw project in Jaipur, few women came forward. But Renu, determined to break into the country’s male-dominated workforce, took the plunge.
Renu’s work with Access Development’s Pink City Rickshaw Company (PCRC) has helped empower low-income women by providing them with training and employment as electric rickshaw drivers. These jobs offer more than three times the country’s minimum daily wage and provide flexible hours, allowing women to balance work and family responsibilities. Many drivers, like Renu, have even gone on to own their rickshaws and run independent businesses.
As Chairwoman of PCRC, Renu now leads 200 women drivers and continues to advocate for financial independence and gender equality. She has completed over 1,300 tours and expanded her services to include point-to-point trips for passengers.
Hellen Nkuraiya: Battling Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya
Hellen Nkuraiya’s journey from victim of female genital mutilation (FGM) to advocate for young girls’ education is both inspiring and courageous. Raised in a traditional Maasai family in Kenya, Hellen was subjected to FGM at the age of nine, and at 12, she was married off to an older man. After escaping this fate, Hellen was educated by a nun and later returned to fight against FGM in her community.
In 2009, Hellen founded Enkiteng Lepa (Purple Cow) School in the village of Tepesua, with the goal of keeping girls in school and away from harmful practices. The school now provides education and shelter for 200 girls, many of whom are at risk of being married off in exchange for cattle. Hellen’s work has earned her criticism from her community, but she continues to stand firm in her mission to combine education with culture.
Hellen has also created a borehole in her village, using it as leverage to encourage Maasai men to send their children, both boys and girls, to school. Her efforts are helping to ensure that both genders benefit from education, which Hellen believes is key to transforming the community. Intrepid travelers can visit Hellen’s community on two of their Kenya tours.
Srishti Lama Tamang: Breaking Barriers for Women in Nepal
Srishti Lama Tamang is leading the charge for women in Nepal’s trekking industry, a field historically dominated by men. Despite societal expectations for women to engage in domestic tasks, Srishti pursued her passion for trekking and became one of the few female trekking leaders in Nepal.
Srishti started as a porter, carrying heavy loads up the mountains, before working her way up to the role of trekking leader. Through her dedication, she has earned respect in a male-dominated industry and has become a role model for other women in Nepal.
Over the last two years, Intrepid has doubled the number of female crew members in Nepal, including porters, assistant guides, and leaders. Srishti continues to inspire women to pursue careers in trekking, showing them that it is possible to achieve financial independence and career growth in this challenging field.
Travelers can join Srishti and other female leaders on Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition in Nepal.
Aneeqa Ali: Pioneering Women’s Tourism in Pakistan
Aneeqa Ali is breaking new ground in Pakistan’s tourism industry, traditionally dominated by men. Pakistan’s tourism sector has been largely underdeveloped due to security concerns, but Aneeqa is committed to promoting the country’s stunning landscapes and rich history while providing opportunities for women in the industry.
Aneeqa founded The Mad Hatters, a travel company focused on making Pakistan’s less-explored regions accessible to female travelers. By partnering with female-owned suppliers and businesses, Aneeqa ensures that her tours empower local women and promote economic growth in remote areas. As a Pakistani woman with strong ties to local communities, Aneeqa is passionate about offering travelers an authentic and immersive experience while supporting local economies.
Nora Fitzgerald: Empowering Women Through Cooking in Morocco
Nora Belahcen Fitzgerald’s AMAL Association, founded in 2012, provides disadvantaged women in Morocco with the opportunity to earn a living through cooking. In a country where women make up only 21 percent of the labor force, Nora’s initiative has made a significant impact.
The association started with baking American treats, which were sold in Nora’s family’s language center in Marrakesh. Since then, it has expanded to train women in professional cooking and catering skills. The AMAL Association now boasts an 80 percent employment success rate, with trained women finding work in local restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses.
Through AMAL, Nora has not only given women valuable skills but has also created a supportive community where women can thrive. The organization now operates three centers in Marrakesh, including one dedicated to supporting the deaf community.
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