New book about intersectional perspectives on gender, disability, and tourism in Africa
A new book about the intersections between gender, disability, and tourism in Africa has been co-edited by Dr Erisher Woyo, Lecturer in Tourism at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Dr Hellen Venganai, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Gender Diversity Centre at the Women’s University in Africa. Gender, Disability and Tourism in Africa: Intersectional Perspectives published by Palgrave Macmillan aims to illuminate the lived realities of underrepresented groups and promote a more equitable strategy for Africa’s tourism industry.
The edited collection was motivated by the realisation that existing books have focused either on gender and tourism or disability and tourism, without focusing on the nexus between the two and the implication this has for tourism policy. The book is inspired by the concept of intersectionality, which helps to understand the ways multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage sometimes compound themselves and create obstacles that are often not understood through conventional perspectives.
The collection explores intersectionality within the realm of tourism in Africa, a sector that frequently overlooks the complex challenges encountered by women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. The contributions offer a perceptive analysis of the socioeconomic and cultural factors that contribute to the marginalisation of these groups in the tourism industry. Authors offer critical perspectives on how gender and disability intersect with race, class, and other dimensions of identity, drawing on extensive research with an intersectional lens.
Through a series of case studies, contributors from several African countries explore the lived experiences of women, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities as tourists, employees, and entrepreneurs in Africa. The chapter authors examine how multiple forms of discrimination, including ableism, sexism, and cultural biases, hinder their participation in the tourism industry. The book also highlights successful interventions, initiatives, polices and community-based approaches that promote inclusivity and empower these marginalised groups within the industry.
The book makes a significant contribution to tourism literature, as it captures scholarly contributions from the Global South. The chapters in the collection not only challenge existing perspectives from the Global North, but also provide a roadmap for policymakers, tourism practitioners and scholars to foster a more equitable and sustainable tourism sector in Africa. By acknowledging the multidimensionality of gender and disability, the book emphasises the importance of adopting an intersectional approach that considers overlapping systems of oppression and privilege. The collection advocates for transformative practices that enable meaningful participation and empowerment and paves the way for a more inclusive and socially just tourism industry.
The book editors anticipate the book will generate important conversations and drive further research into understanding and addressing the multiple intersecting challenges faced by women, the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities in the African tourism context. They call for policymakers, tourism practitioners and scholars to integrate intersectionality into their policy frameworks and decision-making processes to create a more inclusive and accessible tourism sector.
The book is now available in major bookstores and online platforms. It invites readers to delve into its thought-provoking content and join the crucial dialogue surrounding inclusive tourism practices in Africa.
