Investigation of Hindrances Towards Women Involvement in Tour Guiding Activities in Tanzania: A Case of Arusha Municipality
Tourism is the large and fast growing industry which serves as a source of economic gain worldwide. The millennium Development Goals clearly state to "eradicate extreme poverty and hunger" as goal number one and " to promote gender equality and empower women" as goal number three. Unfortunately women do not seem to actively engage in tourism activities. This study therefore set to specifically investigate hindrances towards women involvement in tour guide activities in Arusha municipality. Three objectives were used; to assess the current trend of women involvement in tour guiding activities in Arusha municipality, to establish challenges faced by women in tour guiding activities and to examine support given to women in their participation to tour guide activities. Descriptive survey was employed as a research design. Convenience sampling method was applied to obtain 13 tourism subordinate staff 22 tour guides, and 31 tourism students while purposive technique was applied to obtain 10 officials and 30 students in FGD. Data was collected through interview, questionnaire and FGD. Qualitative data was processed and analyzed using computer Microsoft word, Excel and computer software SPSS (16.0) where qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive technique. The study established that women participation in tour guide activities were constrained by unconducive working environments, responsibilities in the family matters, constraints of culture and traditions, lack of education, gender inequality and financial problems. The study strongly recommends the Government and policy makers to strengthen rules and project systems to empower women and gender equality within tourism industry and tourism stake holders.
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